The Weston-super-Mare bus service Coombs Travel has ‘ceased to operate’ in Somerset from today (Wednesday).

Coombs Travel, which provides school transport services, told Somerset County Council it would no longer be fulfilling its eight bus contracts for the authority yesterday.

Coombs, which is based in Searle Crescent, has been operating in Weston for decades.

The Mercury understands some Coombs staff were told not to come into work today, but they may be reassigned different bus routes. Contrary to some reports, the Mercury also understands the firm has not folded, but has only handed back its Somerset bus contracts.

A Somerset County Council spokesman said the authority found replacement bus services for children who attend schools in Cheddar, Blackford and Burnham-on-Sea after it was informed Coombs was ‘ceasing to operate’.

Cllr John Woodman, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This is an unfortunate situation completely out of our hands that we have had to respond to with no notice.

“We have done everything we can to avoid disruption and I’d like to say a big thank you to the operators and our staff who have pulled together to make sure there are services to get the children to school.

“Hopefully it will all work smoothly from tomorrow, but we’d ask for parents for extra patience and please keep checking for updates.”

The schools affected include The Kings Of Wessex Academy and Fairlands Middle School in Cheddar, Hugh Sexeys Middle School in Blackford and King Alfred’s School in Burnham.

The Mercury has made attempts to contact Coombs Travel, but has not yet received a response.