A BUS service from Backwell to Bristol may have to stop running because of a row about the cost of putting up new timetables.

Nailsea-based North Somerset Coaches took over the 600 route from Backwell to Cribbs Causeway last May when bus operator First stopped running it because North Somerset Council withdrew its subsidy.

Initially the route ran six days a week, but when it was taken over by North Somerset Coaches, it ran on Mondays and Fridays.

But following a drop in passenger numbers and the need to focus efforts on the most well-used parts of the route, the service now runs on Fridays only.

The changes have meant the timetables along the route – which has 70 stops – now have to be altered at a cost of £9.70 each.

The changes will cost the coach firm nearly £700, a cost they say they can ill-afford.

North Somerset Coaches owner, David Fricker, 27, has written to the authority asking if it is possible he can print off and change the timetables himself.

But he has been told that the timetables have to be printed by and erected by the authority in line with its own transport policies.

Mr Fricker says unless a compromise can be reached, it is possible the 600 service, which costs £5 for a return ticket, will have to stop.

Mr Fricker said: "We have written to the council offering to print and change the timetables ourselves rather than pay such a large fee. I have also offered to put up the council's own printed timetables myself if it helps reduce the costs.

"The service only takes around 30 people per week and if we have to pay this large cost it could put the future of the route under threat.

"I would rather not pull the service, but unless we can reach a compromise with the council, that may be the only option."

North Somerset Council spokeswoman Zoe Briffitt said the charges were non-negotiable.

Mrs Briffitt said: "The charges of changing the timetables cover the cost of staff time, travelling expenses and the cost of producing the new timetables.

"It is a flat charge and we make no profit out of it. The changes need to be made to the timetables to ensure passengers have the correct travel information."