RURAL bus routes through west Dorset could be axed after a company deregistered "vital" services.

Campaigners have labelled the potential withdrawal of services as "disgraceful" after Damory deregistered routes including the 40 service, which operates between Bridport and Beaminster, the 71 Lyme Regis circular route, as well as the 73, 44 and 210 services. The services will be deregistered from July 22.

Other services that could be halted include the X12 from Blandford to Dorchester, the 211 from Dorchester to Weymouth, the X11 from Dorchester to Yeovil as well as other rural services to Dorchester.

Campaigners believe the move has come after Dorset County Council withdraw some subsidies for bus companies.

Bob Driscoll, member of the West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG), said: "Dorset County Council had already said some services were no longer being supported after July 22.

"What made me explode was when we discovered that Damory have deregistered a whole series of their buses from July 24.

"It's quite disgraceful that Dorset County Council are going to stop supporting the 40 bus – it's a vital one. If that goes, that would effectively bring the end to any scheduled buses through Beaminster and Mosterton. It would also leave Bridport with just the Jurassic Coaster services, offered by First."

He added: "The 40 is used by commuters. It's virtually an hourly service throughout the day between Bridport and Beaminster and is extended to Yeovil four times a day."

Sheena Fox, who uses the 40 bus, called the decision "disgusting".

She added: "The bus connects us to three hospitals, seven railway stations, takes people to work and the young people to college - not to mention shopping trips and visiting family.

"I really am gutted. This whole community will die here. People will get sick. People will be isolated."

Dorset County Council said that it was working with bus companies to "determine the shape" of future services.

A council spokesman said: "A number of Dorset's bus services are currently subject to change due to contract expiry and it is correct that some routes have been deregistered in order to meet the traffic commissioner's 56 day notice period.

"We are working with operators to determine the shape of services going forward. Detailed announcements from the county council are however subject to purdah due to the upcoming general election."

Cllr Ros Kayes, who represents Bridport on Dorset County Council said she was "furious" that the services had been deregistered.

Andrew Wickham, managing director of Damory, said: “Any comment on bus services in the region should also involve Dorset County Council.

"Due the restrictions of purdah around the general election, we are unable to say anything further about this at present, but we will provide an update on Friday, June 9.”