USERS of public transport in Kennet district have been given a voice with the formation of Kennet Passengers, which held its inaugural meeting last month.

The organisation will lobby local councils and Government with the opinions of local people who use buses to get around the area.

Kate Freeman, the association's chairman, said: "The bus and its passengers are at the heart of Kennet's transport solutions. There are some good public transport initiatives in Kennet, such as the TransWilts Express, a push for new bus shelters and the Wigglybus in the Pewsey Vale.

"But even so we still have a long way to go to get the quality of the services we want to see. If we want to see excellent, affordable transport for everybody in Kennet, listening to the passengers and working together is the key to getting it right."

Kennet Passengers has launched a new message line, sponsored by Devizes-based business The Healthy Life. They want to hear from all passengers, or potential passengers, on (01380) 723073.

Deputy chairman Philip Hiscock said: "Passengers' views need to be heard by those that need to hear. We are appealing for comments on the services people use in Kennet, whether it is bus, taxi or train. These will be summarised in a report and presented to a panel of providers at our first open forum on October 30 in the Cheese Hall at Devizes Town Hall."

Devizes and Marlborough Friends of the Earth helped cover the start-up costs of the group.