FOLLOWING the sudden closure of WebberBus, local operator The Buses of Somerset is assisting Somerset County Council to help fill in the gaps.

The Buses of Somerset has agreed with the Council that it will cover those WebberBus routes, which do not have an alternative bus service, on an emergency basis.

The company has taken over these routes apart from one, which will be operated by its sister company, First West of England.

WebberBus’s eight contracted school routes will be covered by five operators under an arrangement with the Council. Two of these routes will be run by the Buses of Somerset.

Alex Carter, Managing Director of the Buses of Somerset, said: “Our main priority is to ensure that Somerset bus customers are provided with a good bus service. We are working closely with Somerset County Council to ensure that all affected routes previously run by WebberBus are covered.

“Of course, we will accept WebberBus tickets up to their expiry dates on all services so that customers are not left out of pocket.”

He added: “On Thursday, we were able to provide emergency services to colleges to ensure that no students were left stranded. We are now working up plans with Council officials to see how we can assist with maintaining these vital services to schools and colleges in the area.”