VILLAGES could be left without any bus services in April if Dorset County Council goes ahead with proposals to cut funding in a bid to save around £500,000.

The council has launched a public consultation before it plans to axe funding for up to 26 services, which would leave villages including Salway Ash, Marshwood and Thorncombe without any public transport.

If the services are cut, the council said it would support the development of more community-based transport schemes.

But west Dorset bus action group WATAG believes any cuts could force people in rural areas to move to larger towns.

WATAG chairman Peter Smith said: "We are surprised at this sudden announcement which despite the public consultation taking place, the publicity clearly states that the cut needs to be implemented by April.

"The only option for those countryside dwellers who had planned their lives around the availability of buses is now undermined and many will be forced to move into our larger towns which are already under pressure from the number of incomers - leaving our villages to holiday home owners, thus making our housing stock even more unaffordable."

The proposals include the 42 from Bridport to Drimpton, the 14 from Thorncombe to Marshwood, the 213 from Broadwindsor to Dorchester and the 688 from Thorncombe to Axminster.

The results will be discussed by the Cabinet on February 24. 

Cllr Peter Finney, the council’s Cabinet member for environment, said: “With significant reductions in our funding from government, we need to focus on bus services that support Dorset’s economy by helping people get to school or work.

There is already a good network of community transport in Dorset and we want to help it grow."

Damory, which operates most of the rural services said it remained committed to providing rural bus services.

Adam Keen, area manager of Damory, said: “We understand just how important these routes are, and we are working closely with Dorset County Council to minimise any impact on passengers across the region.

“No final decisions have been made, so it is too early to say exactly how routes here will be affected, but our aim has always been to operate as many rural services as possible here in Dorset - and that commitment remains.”

To complete the consultation, please visit dorsetforyou.com/2016-bus-review or visit libraries and town and parish councils.