First Bus has said the tough economic climate has led to its decision to no longer operate services between Trowbridge and Devizes and Trowbridge and Melksham, while three west Wiltshire villages will not be served at all.

First has axed services 237 (Trowbridge to Melksham), 266 (Trowbridge including the school bus from Clarendon and John of Gaunt schools), 77 (Trowbridge to Devizes via Steeple Ashton and Keevil) and will no longer serve Holt, Staverton and Broughton Gifford.

Wiltsire County Council said a few minutes ago it was aware of First's decision and had made arrangements for all three of the services to continue to an almost identical timetable.

The council said it was "disappointed" that First did not refer to the fact that alternative services would be provided when making their announcement earlier this afternoon

The changes come following a review of First services, including the frequency of journeys made by customers and the reliability of services.

Changes come into effect on Sunday, May 10.

Justin Davies, managing director of First in Avon and Somerset, said: “We have looked carefully at bus network and the types of journeys people make. This information has helped us build a picture of how people are travelling in the area.

"Using this information we have looked at the network and have changed it so that it better reflects how it is actually used. “In this tougher economic climate it’s important that we best match the resources we have available to the needs of our customers. We have written to key stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of what is happening.

“We will closely monitor the outcome of all of these changes taking any actions deemed necessary as a result, but we firmly believe that they are necessary, helping match our current resources with existing demand.”

Are you affected by this decision? What do you think of First's plans? Leave a comment below.