Campaigners trying to save bus services in the Pewsey Vale are urging the public to have their say after Wiltshire Council agreed to extend a consultation period.

The council is proposing major money-saving changes to the Connect2Wiltshire bus services (previously known as the Wigglybus), which would result in some villages losing a service altogether and would make some services fixed routes rather than the current flexible services.

The council held a public meeting in Woodborough on May 7 but local groups said it was mishandled.

Following representations made by Devizes and Pewsey Community Area Partnerships, Wiltshire Council has agreed to extend the consultation period and to hear an alternative proposal.

The partnerships have commissioned Alan James, an independent specialist in rural transport, to develop an alternative option and they want to hear the pubic’s views.

Kate Freeman, of Devizes Community Area Partnership’s transport group, said: “This is people’s last chance to have their say.

"We know we can’t have everything we want, but we are pretty confident that we will come up with a proposal that represents better value for the community.

“Alan James is looking at a proposal for two sorts of services between Devizes and Pewsey – at peak-time, which is more direct and doesn’t take so long, and off peak, which is more diversionary – and to the east of Pewsey.”

“He is looking to include villages that Wiltshire Council is proposing no longer receive the Connect2Wiltshire service, Coate, Horton, Wedhampton and the Graftons.”

A public meeting has been arranged for Thursday, June 12, at the Bouverie Hall, Pewsey, at 7pm.

Mr James will outline his thoughts about an alternative option but would like to hear what communities think.

An online questionnaire is being set up – for the link to it, email admin@dcap.org.uk People can also give their views at www.dcap.org.uk or on Pewsey Community Area Partnership’s Facebook page.

Once an alternative proposal is worked out, Wiltshire Council has agreed for public consultation to be carried out between August 1 and September 9.