TWO key bus routes running through Tatworth that are set to be axed have been granted a stay of execution.

The buses, the number 14 and the 688, are managed by Dorset Community Transport Group and were set to be withdrawn as they are not financially viable.

Although serving the south Somerset village, the 14 bus runs from Thorncombe to Chard on Tuesdays, and the 688 operates on Thursdays to Axminster through Tatworth, Thorncombe, Marshwood, Fishpond and Hawkchurch.

It was planned to withdraw the buses at the end of March, but DCT bosses have delayed the withdrawal until the end of May as local villagers finalise their own plans to save the services.

The idea is that the group will hire one of DCT’s vehicles in the middle part of the day when they are not being used as school buses.

The cost would be met mainly from fares but it is hoped that other financial support can be obtained.

Caroline Dilke, who lives in Marshwood and is one of the founders of the group, said: “It is clear that unless we run them ourselves we will lose our buses. That is why we have already been in talks with DCT to try to take over these two routes.”

Elderly people and disabled people will have to pay to use the bus, but Ms Dilke added that everyone she had spoken to was willing to pay the fare if it meant they kept the service.

Cllr Andrew Turpin, chairman of the parish council and a district councillor for South Somerset District Council, said: “Although we do have a bus that runs through the village every 90 minutes, it’s not user-friendly for the disabled. This bus is for those who can’t walk very well or very far, because to get to the main bus stop it is particularly challenging.

"It’s only until the end of May, to test the viability of it but we are hoping it will stay.”