Plans to adjust a new bus route linking rural Somerset areas to Castle Cary railway station have been blocked by the local council. Glastonbury TrainLink, a community campaign group, had proposed a regular bus service between Glastonbury and Castle Cary station via Pilton and Shepton Mallet to improve access for rural residents traveling to London Paddington.
The council initially pledged in early April that the service would launch imminently, pending alignment with Great Western Railway’s updated train timetables. However, the council altered the proposed route to include Clarks Village in Street and link with the Slinky bus service in Somerton and Langport. Glastonbury TrainLink criticized this move, saying the council ignored community-backed evidence favoring a more direct route.
Susannah Clemence, a Glastonbury TrainLink member, expressed frustration, stating the council was disregarding proposals widely endorsed by local communities. She urged reconsideration, highlighting that their preferred route—covering Glastonbury, Pilton, Cannard’s Grave, Prestleigh, the Bath and West Showground, Castle Cary station, Ansford, and Castle Cary town—garnered support from parish councils, businesses, and raised over £29,000 in pledges for initial costs and promotion.
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Clemence emphasized the extensive research and community consultation underpinning their plans, which aimed to ensure financial viability without detours through Clarks Village. She challenged the council to revisit their decision based on value for money, market research, and community backing.
Council service director Mike O’Dowd-Jones responded that while TrainLink’s proposals were thoroughly considered, the council had to prioritize the most viable route to maximize passenger numbers. Including Clarks Village was deemed essential to attract visitors and secure the trial’s success. The new route also connects peak commuter journeys from Langport and Somerton via the digital Slinky service, broadening the catchment area.
O’Dowd-Jones stressed the council’s commitment to delivering the best solution within funding limits, balancing community needs and operational sustainability. He noted collaborations with Clarks Village and Great Western Railway to promote the bus service.
Councillor Henry Hobhouse, representing Castle Cary and surrounding villages, welcomed the new service and ongoing improvements at Castle Cary station, which has seen annual passenger numbers rise to 370,000 over the past five years. Hobhouse highlighted efforts to enhance station facilities, including plans for a third car park and increasing permanent staff, aiming to support continued growth beyond occasional festival traffic.