U-turn after bus timetable cuts criticised

The X51 and X53 services link Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Axminster

Plans to reduce bus services in west Dorset have been withdrawn following criticism from users.

First Bus had announced its winter timetable with reductions to its X51 and X53 services, linking Weymouth, Dorchester, Bridport, Lyme Regis and Axminster.

Bus campaigners and opposition councillors had called the plans "unacceptable".

Dorset Council said the timetable had been "reviewed" following discussions with First Bus, including removing a weekday afternoon gap in services between Dorchester and Bridport and reinstating weekend links between towns.

The proposed timetable meant fewer would have run between Bridport and Dorchester each way on weekdays, with the last service departing an hour earlier than previously.

Following its publication earlier this month, Conservative Beaminster councillor Craig Monks called for the operator and council to "reconsider".

"Public transport is a lifeline for many in rural communities and withdrawing these services risks increasing isolation and limiting opportunities," he said.

Members of the West Dorset Bus Facebook group called the schedule "unprecedented".

"For years, people living in rural Dorset have been robbed of effective, reliable public transportation," said one user.

Another said the "unacceptable" cuts would "leave children stranded".

In a statement on Friday, Lib Dem-run Dorset Council, which subsidises the services, said the previous winter timetable would be reinstated "in response to concerns raised by local residents".

It added: "Both organisations have reviewed service levels and agreed arrangements that restore the core winter timetable residents rely on.

"We acknowledge concerns about consultation and will plan earlier and more openly ahead of next year's timetable, continuing to monitor reliability and connections across the corridor."

Under the reinstated timetable, services stopping for Dorset County Hospital would be maintained.

From Monday, an afternoon journey would run to ensure students from The Thomas Hardye School can get home to Bridport while the full timetable is finalised.

The council also said it was working on options to improve the bus connection with the 07:35 Axminster train to Exeter.

The start date for the full reinstated timetable is due to be announced shortly.