PROPOSALS to revise the Connect2 Wiltshire bus services were discussed at a public meeting at the Corn Exchange in Devizes.

People offered their views about the option developed by the community partnerships for Pewsey and Devizes.

Wiltshire Council, which is due to make cuts, is also looking to trial suggestions for improvements next year.

The Community Area Partnership, with support from Wiltshire Council, has commissioned an alternative proposal.

This includes faster direct services at peak times to meet trains at Pewsey station, flexible off-peak services combined with fixed times and booking services for smaller villages, and the return of a Pewsey evening service, run on a reduced schedule from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

Task group organiser Kate Freeman, of DCAP, said: “We think the proposal is very promising. Some detail will change in response to the feedback sent to Wiltshire Council, but there is still a lot of uncertainty about the long-term future.

“It is vital people have their say, even non-users may need this service one day.”

Colin Gale, of Pewsey CAP, said: “The more people that respond, the more secure we will feel. It is not right that Government cutbacks put our bus services at risk.”

People at the public meeting were given the proposed bus timetable, although funding for some services has not been secured and is subject to consultation responses.

Initial proposals were not popular with many, who felt they left some villages stranded.

The plans are available from Devizes library, bus drivers and GP surgeries, or by sending an email query to buses@wiltshire.gov.uk