A Wellington councillor has used the current consultation called the Bus Services Improvement Plan to hit out at the bus service between the town and Taunton.

Somerset County Council is managing the consultation as part of its contribution to the Government’s Bus Back Better: A National Bus Strategy for England programme.

Cllr Keith Wheatley who sits for Wellington East on Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT), said the 22 and 22A service between Taunton and Wellington is one of the busiest in the county.

“It’s also a disgrace,” he added.

“The first problem is the buses themselves. Most of the double-deckers on the route are around 20 years old and certainly look their age.”

He said the outgoing CEO of First Bus, Alex Carter, admitted to SWT councillors recently that they are the oldest vehicles that the company operates in the South West.

Cllr Wheatley added: “Mr Carter said that Somerset County Council put so little money into public transport that the company had to run services with the cheapest resources they could. Newer, greener, smarter buses went to counties such as Devon or Cornwall that were properly funding public transport.

“These double-decker relics were retired from operations in Cornwall some years ago and some still bear the address of the Camborne bus depot beneath a layer of fading green paint.

“They are noisy, with ancient diesel engines polluting the atmosphere and shabby interiors. Who would want to travel in one if they had any choice at all?

“The second issue with the buses are the routes and timetables. Neither the 22 or 22A calls into Musgrove Hospital despite the large number of Wellington residents who need to get to the hospital as either outpatients or visitors. The walk from the main road to the hospital entrance is near impossible for many people who are unwell or elderly.

“The last bus in the evening leaves Taunton for Wellington at the ridiculously early time of 8pm. So anyone without a car can’t have a night out in Taunton without paying £20 or more for a taxi home. Occasional users find that a single bus fare to Taunton is almost £4.

“Finally – although the bus shelters are not a First Bus responsibility – they are so neglected, dirty and shabby that they contribute to the run-down feel of a service that no-one would use if they didn’t absolutely have to.

“Despite the declaration of a climate emergency, how will we coax people out of their cars if public transport on this vital route is so grimly unattractive and expensive?”