A petition calling for the return of two Saturday bus service routes has attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

The document – which seeks the reinstatement of the Number 40 service route between Beaminster and Bridport, and from Bridport to Yeovil – was presented at a meeting of Dorset County Council on Thursday last week (November 9).

Beaminster resident Carolyn Emett started the petition, with support from County Councillor Ros Kayes.

First took over the service from Dorset County Council, which has been providing some of the service since it was deregistrered by Damory. 

Speaking at the meeting, she said: "Since July this once smooth-running bus service has been a shambles.

"A local woman who is here today who lives in Beaminster, did have a job in Yeovil, which involved weekday and Saturday working.

"Because the Saturday bus has now stopped, her employer has told her that she has lost her whole job – not just her Saturday hours.

"I live in Beaminster and my eldest daughter has a Saturday job in the Bridport area. She can no longer get there or back by bus without a Saturday service. She tried to get work in Beaminster, but was unsuccessful."

Cllr Kayes said a possible community bus service being considered by Bridport Town Council could help affected passengers.

She said: "It's likely that the Beaminster to Bridport route could eventually be delivered as part of that community bus scheme and I am asking the county council to support reinstating this bus between November and April as a pilot to this scheme.?"

A Dorset County Council spokesman said: "“Petitions submitted to Dorset County Council are considered by petition panels.

"The panels include Cabinet members, local members, and other interested members.

"Lead petitioners are also invited to come along to meet with the panel to discuss their concerns and the panel will then determine what action to take. A resolution will be considered within six weeks of the petition being submitted.”