Bridgwater-based WebberBus, which operated a number of bus routes and school service in around Somerset, has folded.
The Burnham Weekly News reported that Somerset County Council has stepped in to try and cover the routes, and with assurances that school routes will still be running.
Leigh Redman, Labour County Councillor for Bridgwater South, commented: “It is devastating news that Bridgwater bus company WebberBus has ceased trading.
“I understand that officers at Somerset County are working to ensure all essential services are operational tomorrow and making plans to maintain services where possible.
“WebberBus currently provides transport serving six schools, four colleges and more than a dozen public routes. The most affected areas are Bridgwater town centre, West Somerset, Cheddar and Burnham-on-Sea areas.”
A spokesperson for Somerset County Council said: “We have responded immediately to this difficult situation and our staff are working hard to arrange for other operators to pick up these services where possible.
“We are confident that all services taking students to schools and colleges will be covered by replacement services from tomorrow morning.
“There should also be cover for the public routes where there are no other reasonable alternatives. On routes already covered by other operators, they will be doing their best to fill the gaps. We apologise for the disruption that this has caused.”
Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow, said: “First of all my sympathies go out to all of those whose jobs are affected by this news.
“I realise many bus users will be affected by this unfortunate announcement.
“I am pressing Cllr David Fothergill, responsible for transport at Somerset County Council to do all in his power to minimise disruption and to support those literally left high and dry. This includes students trying to get to school, as WebberBus operated buses for six schools and four colleges across Somerset.”
