Ilminster's new shuttle bus is being launched for the area's surrounding villages, and you can now see the full timetable here.

The brand-new Ilminster Shuttle is set to bring public transport to a series of villages which were all left struggling after the demise of NippyBus.

As part of the plans, Ilton is due for a regular bus, but only to one of the village’s two stops.

Meanwhile, there will be a regular morning pick up and afternoon drop off times for places including Horton, Broadway, Barrington, Ashill, Shepton Beauchamp, Stocklinch and Whitelackington.

Chard & Ilminster News:

Chard & Ilminster News:

Melissa Whittaker-Mather, co-lead of campaign group Everybody ‘Get on Board’ (EGOB), said: “We’re so pleased Ilton has a regular bus service as of September.

“Maybe they can consider adding to the Ilton bus in the future so it’s just one bus a few times a day that interlinks with other villages and will help rural communities stay connected and become more sustainable. 

“This new bus however is an excellent start and we are incredibly happy.

“Personally, I can now finally meet our Ilton EGOB supporters, now friends, who I have never been able to meet in person as there was no bus. A beautiful irony of trying to run a transport campaign, when I have I have no personal transport.”

Chard & Ilminster News:

An EGOB member, who lives in Ilton and did not wish too be named, said: “I am so chuffed to finally have a regular weekday bus service to Ilminster, that makes such a difference to my life to be able to pop out to meet my Chard-based non-driving daughter for a coffee once a week.

“There has been no public transportation between Ilminster and Ilton for a very long time.

“My husband works nights and therefore daytimes are very limiting for me, and I know many other local residents who don’t drive and who aren’t eligible for the community bus, who are very happy to finally be able to get a little freedom.

“We might not be the most commercial of customers, but we are certainly the most appreciative. Thank you to all who reinstalled our bus service and gave Ilton back a little bit of independence.”

Chard & Ilminster News: