A local champion for Pyrland

Transport expert David Northey has launched a campaign for better links to healthcare services in Taunton.

David spent 42 years working on the railways, from Taunton station booking office to strategic planning.

Since retiring, he has co-chaired the Somerset Bus Partnership, lobbying for better services across the county.

Now selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for a forthcoming by-election in Taunton Town Council’s Pyrland ward, he is calling for improvements to the Number 1 bus service which serves the area.

David, who grew up in the area and went to Ladymead (now Pyrland) School, said: "If you can't get a bus to Musgrove Park Hospital, you can't get to your appointment.

"The Number 1 bus has the highest number of passengers in Taunton yet the service has been cut from every 15 minutes to every 30.

"I launched a 'Better Bus Services for North Priorswood' petition and 1,100 signed it.

"Last June, I campaigned successfully to get the 6.22am Number 1 to Musgrove reinstated for key workers – but there's more to do.

"I’m now pushing for a more regular service and a Sunday service, because hundreds/thousands of people a week depend on this route and it’s not good enough.

“As co-chair of the Somerset Bus Partnership, I know how to hold bus companies and the council to account and I've already delivered results.”

Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton & Wellington, is backing David's efforts. He said: "It was great working with David to get the early morning bus service restored recently.

"He really knows what local people deal with and would make a superb councillor.

“David already gives so much voluntary service, both to me as my transport adviser and to several really active community groups."

The town council by-election in the Pyrland ward takes place on Thursday, 7 May.