Campaigners in Peasedown St John are seeking residents’ views following an announcement from bus operator First that the number of services through the village has been cut.

 After hearing the news Cllr Nathan Hartley (Lib Dem, Peasedown) met with Justin Davies, the companies Managing Director, and Simon Cursio, First’s Commercial Director to discuss the changes.

"There will be a reduction in the frequency of bus services through Peasedown St John, and other areas from the end of November.

This is largely due to a fall in demand and because of the impact of the recession on businesses.

During the meeting, I suggested that First make a radical move and decrease fares, which would attract more people to use the buses. This in the long run would be a good investment.

Unfortunately though, this was a move the management were not willing to make.”

Nathan has teamed up with Somer Valley FM radio show host Matt Clifford to seek people's views on public transport through Peasedown St John.

Matt, who is a regular user of public transport between Bath and Midsomer Norton, said:

“Bus operators need to be looking at new ways to attract more people onto the buses. But if First is going to cut services, and continue to increase fare prices then there is no incentive to travel by bus.

Peasedown St John is a large village. Almost 6,500 people live here. Many of them are becoming concerned about their carbon footprint and how they can do more to look after the environment. But now there are even less opportunities for them to think green and travel by bus.”

The decision to cut the number of bus services has been taken despite spending £millions on public transport improvements on the A367.

Nathan added:

“I can’t understand how all this money can be spent to encourage people to use public transport more, when there is now less public transport for them to use.

The raised bus kerbs at each bus-stop cost £1,800 each, and don’t forget the £916,000 700yard bus lane that will now have even fewer buses using it.”  

Nathan and Matt have put together a short survey for residents, which can be downloaded by clicking on the PDF logo at the bottom of this article, or by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 All completed surveys can be handed in at the Coffee Hut in Bath Road, Peasedown St John.

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