LIBERAL Democrat hopeful Rachel Gilmour has joined with MP Richard Foord to campaign to protect the No 25 bus service which runs from Taunton via Wiveliscombe and Bampton to Dulverton.

Ms Gilmour will stand for Parliament in the new Tiverton and Minehead constituency when the General Election is called.

The No 25 bus is currently subsidised with Government funding until the end of March because passenger numbers have been too low for it to be a viable route.

But Liberal Democrat-run Somerset Council, which is trying to avoid bankruptcy, has said it will not have the money to continue the subsidy once it stops, putting the bus route at risk.

Ms Gilmour, who is currently a Mid Devon district councillor, has called on parish councils to promote the route and is highlighting the issue in her social media Parliamentary campaign.

She is also calling on the Department for Transport (DfT) to clarify future funding for rural buses, particularly those operating across county boundaries, such as the No 25.

Ms Gilmour said: “I am grateful to Richard for his support and thank him on behalf of the residents of Tiverton and Minehead.”

Mr Foord, who is currently MP for the old constituency boundaries covering the Culm Valley, has asked a written question of the DfT on support for rural buses.

He said: “The number 25 is a critical bus service which connects Somerset and Devon.

“Many people rely on it to get to work, school, and to travel to appointments or do their weekly shop.

“Sadly, this route is now under threat, with changes to the service threatening to leave people cut off.

“This simply is not acceptable, and the Government must take steps to ensure that important rural bus routes like this one are protected.”