Dorset villages included in bus route as part of trial

Winterbourne Steepleton will be on the new trial route

Villages that have been without a bus service since 2020 are to be included in a new trial route.

Residents have been campaigning to get Winterbourne Steepleton and Martinstown in Dorset included on the X51 route between Dorchester and Bridport.

Operator First Bus said it would trial a diversion to the villages from 12 May until September.

During that time, passenger numbers will be reviewed to assess the route's long-term viability.

With the exception of a community minibus which makes a single trip to and from Dorchester, the villages of Winterbourne Steepleton, North Rew, South Rew, Martinstown and Mallards Green have no public transport.

Until 10 years ago the villages had regular buses but in 2014 the services were cut and, after being halted completely during the Covid pandemic, they were never reinstated.

First Bus said the trial route would come off the A35 and loop round to serve Hamlands, Winterbourne Steepleton, Martinstown, Cowslease and Mallards Green before going back up to the A35.

The Jurassic Coaster bus will serve Monkey World and Bovington Tank Museum

First Bus South commercial director James Eustace said: "We want to support our local communities wherever we can, and we're pleased to announce we will trial the X51 diversion service via Martinstown and Winterbourne Steepleton."

The operator said the trial was part of wider changes for Dorset coming into operation next month, including evening services added to route 8 Weymouth to Chickerell during the summer season.

The X50 Jurassic Coaster will also operate from 12 May until 1 September every two hours and will run to Swanage on all days. It will also serve Bovington Tank Museum and Monkey World.

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