LYME Regis “could be deprived of any public transport” if restrictions are put on double decker buses using town centre roads, according to a bus company.

Residents have demanded action to stop buses being able to “override or destroy the character” of the town. Concerned locals have called on Lyme Regis Town Council to prevent double decker buses from travelling along narrow Church Street and Bridge Street - after a series of collisions with buildings, including the Guildhall.

A spokeswoman for First said: “First Wessex operates buses every 30 minutes through Lyme Regis to Axminster and Bridport. These services are a fundamental part of west Dorset’s transport infrastructure, providing essential journeys to schools and colleges, as well as offering rail connections.

“Double deck buses are used on the routes because of their extra passenger capacity.

“This is especially important for school journeys serving Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis and also during the summer, when we encourage visitors to consider taking the bus instead of using their cars due to the area’s roads becoming congested with the extra holiday traffic. If our services were not able to use these roads to serve Lyme Regis, the town could be deprived of any public transport.”

Councillors discussed the issue at last week’s town management committee. Cllr Cheryl Reynolds said she found it “really scary” when double decker buses swing around the narrow corners.

Mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Owen Lovell, believes a one-way system would be the best answer - with buses entering the town at the Hunter’s Lodge junction, and urged the authority to work with Dorset County Council.

Councillors agreed to discuss the matter with bus company and draw up an outline scheme for solving any issues - subject to the approval of the full council.