Somerset Council commit to future of Yeovil Bus Station
They've been reassuring bus passenger groups their commitment to keeping the site open
Last updated 5th Sep 2024
Somerset Council say they are committed to the future of Yeovil Bus Station.
They've been reassuring bus passenger groups that's it's committed to keeping the site open - calling it a vital part of a rejuvenated town centre.
The news follows a number of bus users expressing concern about the decision to close the waiting room and toilets, announced earlier this year as part of a package of measures to save monet.
We are told the local authority are now involved in commercial discussions with the owner of the bus station - with a view to buying the site.
Once they take it over, it's hoped some of the existing buildings will be knocked down - with a view to making long term improvements to the site.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Digital said he was aware there was a need for reassurance and understood people’s concerns.
Councillor Wilkins said: “It is clear people are worried about the future of the bus station.
“That is why we are underlining our commitment to keeping it operational – there are absolutely no plans to close it.
“We have had to take the decision to close the toilets and initially the waiting room to save on cleaning and maintenance costs – we have been very clear that due to the Council’s financial situation this needed to happen.
“This is in line with difficult and heart-breaking decisions we’ve had to make across Somerset.
“However, I’m really pleased we can now keep the waiting room open for the immediate future, following an agreement between the bus user group and operator.
“Please be assured that we remain committed to seeking further funding from Government from the Bus Service Improvement Fund, and working with partners, to maintain facilities at the bus station in the future - this is an evolving regeneration process.
“You are likely to see some changes in the coming months – some of the buildings will be demolished as part of the regeneration but the bus station will remain operational throughout and into the long-term future.”
Somerset’s Bus Service Improvement Plan aims to make bus travel more attractive and sustainable in the county and the Council has so far been awarded nearly £13 million from Government for a raft of initiatives, including ensuring that key services between Yeovil and Taunton can continue to run.