BUS passengers have reacted with anger that a “well used” bus service which passes through Burnham and Highbridge is set to be axed.

Somerset County Council has announced a round of cuts to services which includes dropping the 102 Bridgwater to Weston bus service which passes through Burn-ham, Highbridge, Brent Knoll, East Huntspill and East Brent, to save funds.

The council says there are alternative services for people to use, but this has been disputed by a Highbridge councillor.

Cllr Chris Williams told the Weekly News: “I would urge people who are affected by the proposed withdrawal of the 102 service to respond to this.

“A few years ago the 113 service was threatened and a 570-signature petition which was launched managed to ensure it was retained.”

He said the withdrawal of the 102 would mean some villages north of Burnham would be left with no service at all.

District councillor Bob Filmer, who is also a Brent Knoll parish councillor, said: “This is one of the few bus services in Brent Knoll and I know a lot of people who are very worried about it.

“I will be speaking to the county councillor on behalf of local residents.”

A public consultation on the changes, which will affect 24 routes across the county with eight services likely to be withdrawn altogether, will run until December 29.

Cllr Harvey Siggs, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The ongoing and harsh reality we face as a county council is that our central Government funding to run local services is being reduced, which leaves us no option but to review all our services.

“These plans are about making our supported bus services more effective, particularly where there are currently low levels of passenger use.

“We need as many people as possible who use these bus services to come forward and have their say before the consultation closes on Monday, December 29.”

You can complete the consultation online at www.somerset.gov.uk/bussurvey