USERS of the Connect2 Wiltshire bus services told a public meeting that they want more direct routes at peak times, retention of the Night Bus and the service to be kept to villages beyond Burbage.

The meeting, held at the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey, last Thursday was attended by about 40 concerned passengers.

Wiltshire Council is planning to cut services on the Connect2Wiltshire routes to save money. Proposals are for the Night Bus between Devizes and Pewsey being axed, making some routes fixed rather than the existing flexible service while some villages would lose their service.

Devizes and Comm-unity Area Partnerships, who hosted the meeting, negotiated an extended consultation period with Wiltshire Council.

The meeting heard from Alan James, an independent specialist in rural transport, who presented alternatives after an initial online survey and face-to-face interviews that suggest that some people are looking for more direct routes during peak periods, retention of the evening bus service and to retain the service beyond Burbage.

Options discussed included the use of direct routes between Devizes and Pewsey at peak times so that Pewsey arrivals link with trains.

In off-peak periods the services could be using demand responsive routes and the size of vehicles used could be considered.

Mr James will now take all the survey responses to shape an alternative option for Wiltshire Council to consider.