Petition to save facilities at Yeovil bus station
The waiting room and public toilets are set to close by the end of May
Last updated 16th Apr 2024
Campaigners are calling for the facilities at Yeovil bus station to remain open.
The public toilets and waiting room on Glover's walk are set to close at the end of May.
Hundreds of people have signed a petition trying to stop the closure.
Bus users says it would be another nail in the coffin of the town centre.
We spoke to campaigner Linda Snelling.
It's caused a great deal of anxiety and stress
She told us: "I have just done a bus stall event on Saturday and we had an influx of people really worried about the bus station toilets and facilities."
"It's really vital and it's not just Yeovil people who are affected - it's all the surrounding villages and towns that use services here in Yeovil."
"It's caused a great deal of anxiety and stress."
Having somewhere to sit and wait that's protected is especially important for the vulnerable
"Especially for our passengers - the ones with hidden disabilities."
"I had a lady who's suffering with cancer - she has chemotherapy."
"One of the side effects is actually having to use the toilet more frequently."
"This has really impacted and will impact her life."
"The waiting room is vital - it's a place where people get their information about bus cancellations - diversions."
"But also around this area it is very cold - especially in the winter."
"Having somewhere to sit and wait that's protected is especially important for the vulnerable."
We have had to take some difficult decisions and make savings
Somerset Council have said in a statement: "The financial emergency facing Somerset Council, and other councils across the country, is well documented and will have very real impacts on local people.
"In order to set a balanced budget for 2024/25 and bridge a funding gap of £100m, we have had to take some difficult decisions and make savings by reviewing numerous non-statutory services we can no longer afford.
"However, this local authority will look to explore new opportunities, innovative solutions, and to seek external funding for facilities, wherever possible.
"And conversations continue with our city, town and parish councils and other stakeholders, as together we work to protect and deliver much-valued local services - always with the aim of ensuring a true partnership approach in how we support our communities going forward.”