VOLUNTEERS turned out in force to clean up a major route between Taunton and Wellington in an event organised by a county student.

The gathering, on Saturday (February 28), saw around 25 people pick up litter on the A38 and clean up bus shelters on the route.

The team were helped by dedicated transport provided by First Bus, with residents joining members of the Somerset Bus Partnership, Transition Town Wellington, and volunteers from the Liberal Democrat Community Action Team.

It was organised by Jacob Bell, a university student who has been undertaking a placement year with Gideon Amos MP as part of his studies.

And Jacob said he was “elated” by the response to the clean-up and privileged to have brought people together to take “positive action” for the community.

“The idea was inspired by ongoing efforts to improve public transport, which I have been working on with the Somerset Bus Partnership as part of my placement year with Gideon,” he said.

“Bus shelters are notoriously dirty and unappealing, so the busy route along the A38 between Taunton and Wellington seemed like a good place to improve accessibility.”

Following a call to action on social media, Jacob said he was “amazed” to receive a phone call from bus operator First Bus, offering to provide transport in one of their electric buses.

“It is great that First Bus provided us with our own bus for the day. It goes to show that if we work together, we can all improve where we live,” he said.

MP Gideon joined the clean-up and said he was “delighted” with Jacob’s efforts to bring people together and take positive action.

“It was fantastic to be a part of such a great community effort. Jacob put a lot into getting the word out about the clean-up, so to have more than 20 people joining in was great,” he said.

“I know how important our public spaces are, including bus shelters, so it is disappointing that they’re affected by litter and graffiti.

“I hope these efforts will inspire others to take pride in where we live and to look after our surroundings.”

A spokesperson for First Bus added: “We recognise the importance of community and volunteer groups within Somerset.

“Having 25 volunteers clean and tidy bus stops, shelters and the surrounding landscape benefits all and we were happy to support the day with transportation.”

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