BUS users in the North Petherton area will be waiting in style thanks to a new scheme to update shelters around the town.

The first stage of North Petherton Town Council’s bus shelter programme has now been completed, with four new, high-quality shelters installed along the A38 to serve the communities in Wilstock and Stockmoor.

In addition, a new facility has been provided on the approach to the M5 for people using the increasingly popular long-distance services.

Mayor of North Petherton, Cllr Alan Bradford, said: “More use of public transport is a major way of cutting emissions and reducing traffic congestion in our area.

"As a town council, we only have limited resources and powers, but I’m sure these new shelters will make travelling by bus more convenient and popular and that will then lead to more services in the future.”

Cllr Bill Revans said he hoped the changes would boost bus use amid reductions in services in the area.

“I have been concerned for some time about reductions in local bus services," he said.

"I am, therefore, delighted that we have been able to use our share of the community infrastructure levy on such an important and worthwhile project.”

And Wilstock resident, Cllr Mrs Lucinda Spelman-Ives, said the shelters would be a welcome change as people start to use public transport again after nationwide lockdowns.

“I know how much these new shelters will mean to the local community," she said.

"As and when the economy gets going again, more and more people will appreciate having such high quality places in which to shelter from the elements.”

Cllr Bradford expressed his gratitude to Externiture Ltd., who had carried out the work.

“I would particularly like to thank Karen Stagg, a director of Externiture, who, not only ran a very efficient operation, but also was instrumental in improving the bus stops near the Moon Lane junction at a special price, enabling the town council to step in and ensure that a very determined and resourceful disabled resident can now, safely and conveniently, access her local bus service,” he added.