More bus services across Bristol and Somerset could be cut if government support is not extended beyond the March cliff edge, a major operator has warned.

First West of England is currently running 90 per cent of its services compared to before the pandemic but with a third fewer passengers.

Managing director Doug Claringbold said government funding has helped the industry to break even but without it the challenges are unsustainable.

Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol on January 17, he said: "If the funding isn't there we're going to have to take a hard look at the services we operate because it's unsustainable to run 90 per cent of the services with 63 per cent of the fare box.

"This is a really serious moment in terms of the bus industry.

"The West of England Combined Authority is supporting services throughout the region. We have a significant challenge. We're lobbying hard, as is the combined authority and loads of MPs to get support for the network beyond April."

First has announced a raft of changes from January 30, with services being axed, reduced or rerouted.

The 37 bus route between Bath and Bristol via Hanham and Longwell Green is among those being withdrawn from January 30.

Once lost will the buses be replaced ?

Bath and North East Somerset councillors have said further service cuts would be a "huge blow" with cabinet member Sarah Warren warning: "Once lost, the risk is they will not be replaced."

In Portishead, the X3, X3a and X4 services will be replaced with an amended version of the X4, which will not operate via Marina after continued issues with parked vehicles causing delays over a number of years.

Portishead Town Council vice chair Paul Gardner said the loss of services at the Marina left elderly and vulnerable residents feeling "imprisoned in their flats", while elsewhere residents would be unable to get to Weston College or Gordano School.

Mr Claringbold said he was "deeply apologetic" to those who are inconvenienced by the changes and he was willing to attend a public meeting in Portishead to discuss the issue.

He added: "We've targeted a number of changes in January. Part of the changes are to significantly improve the reliability of our network.

"We're preparing plans – if there's no funding or further support we will have no choice but to make more significant changes to the network.

"We're working to achieve the best network for customers. Take the 37 – just because a service has operated that way for many years doesn't mean that it should continue in its current format.

"People are making different journey choices. We have to respond to what the current needs are.

"What's really optimistic is the commitment to spend money on infrastructure around buses."