Residents along Radstock Road—a vital commuter stretch in North East Somerset—are advocating for the establishment of a permanent bus route connecting the bustling market towns of Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
Radstock Road, part of the A362, serves as a crucial artery linking these towns and extending southeast toward Frome. It also connects to the A367 at Radstock, providing access northward to Peasedown St John and Bath. Thousands of vehicles use this route daily, yet public transport options remain limited.
Currently, only the 414 and 424 bus services operate intermittently between Frome and Midsomer Norton along this road, leaving residents of approximately 400 homes with few reliable bus options.
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Community Connectors, an organization dedicated to empowering local residents, recently conducted a survey capturing community opinions on public transport services in the area. Project Manager Nathan Hartley emphasized the irony of numerous bus stops existing with scarce bus arrivals. “Our initiative is focused on listening to local priorities and equipping people to advocate for meaningful change,” he stated.
Nathan has formally reached out to B&NES Council’s Transport Department and the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to explore reinstating a regular bus service along Radstock Road.
To rally community support, Community Connectors volunteers are distributing petition slips to homes along Radstock Road and surrounding side streets, encouraging residents to actively participate in the campaign.
“Often, residents feel their voices go unheard. Here in Midsomer Norton, we are making sure every opinion counts,” Nathan added.
Earlier this year, nearly 3,000 households received the initiative’s first newsletter outlining local concerns and inviting feedback. The campaign plans to continue engagement through further surveys, pop-up events, and street surgeries over the next 12 months.
Residents interested in supporting or staying informed about the push for improved bus services along Radstock Road can contact Nathan Hartley at [email protected].