THE MP for Burnham-on-Sea has welcomed the town council's decision to pledge £5,000 as a lifeline for a 'crucial' bus service.

The 67 bus service, which runs between Burnham and Wells has been funded by Somerset County Council since the collapse of Webberbus last year.

But Somerset County Council said it would no longer fund the bus service after it extended its emergency funding from March to July 21 to allow more time for a community funded replacement to be found.

At a town council meeting on July 3, councillors from Burnham and Highbridge town council voted unanimously to provide much needed funds to help keep the service running.

James Heappey, MP for Burnham-on-Sea said: "I very much welcome Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s commitment to co-fund the 67 bus.

"This is an important link for many living in Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge as well as helping those living in the villages outside the town to access Burnham and Highbridge’s services, shops and businesses.”

If enough funding is found, the new bus service will be jointly funded by town and parish councils across Sedgemoor and Mendip and would see a 16 seater bus run between Wells and Burnham.