FEARS have been raised that fewer bus routes and soaring fuel prices could isolate Sedgemoor's rural communities.

First Bus is cutting various services throughout Somerset following the county council's decision to slash £3.6million in bus subsidies over three years.

The changes, which come into effect from April 17, affect services linking rural villages to town centres on Sundays, public holidays and some evenings.

Mark Healey, district councillor for Puriton, said: “Some people here don't have cars and with the price of petrol at around £6.50 a gallon, public transport is even more important.

“It is the elderly, young people travelling to college, and people without transport needing to get to work that will be most affected.

“It shouldn't be all cut, smash, and burn; we should be inventive in the way we think.”

John Edney, district councillor for Cannington, added: “Bus services are very important to many but with Cannington being four miles from Bridgwater they are essential.”

First says it has done what it can to minimise the impact of the council cuts and where possible has taken on some previously supported journeys, running them on a commercial 'use it or lose it' trial basis.

Simon Cursio, commercial director, warned: “If not enough people use these journeys then they may be lost altogether.”

First also told The Mercury it was too early to assess the impact on its workforce of its service changes.

ROUTES in the Bridgwater and Sedgemoor area no longer running on Sundays and public holidays: Service 14 Watchet - Bridgwater, via Nether Stowey, Cannington, Wembdon.

Service 102 Weston-super-Mare - Puriton, via East Brent, Burnham, Highbridge.

Service 375 Wells - Bridgwater, via Glastonbury, Street, Woolavington.

Service 670 Burnham - Wookey Hole, via Highbridge, Mark, Wedmore, Wells.

Service 21/21A Taunton - Burnham, via Brittons Ash, Bridgwater, Highbridge will continue to run on Sundays only on a 'use it or lose it' trial basis.

Service 112 Weston-super-Mare - Highbridge, via Brean, Berrow, Burnham will continue to run on Sundays only on a 'use it or lose it' trial basis. All supported Monday to Friday journeys will be withdrawn from April 17.

STAGECOACH bus company says it is “considering the impact” of the cuts before making any decisions, while WebberBus services are unaffected.