Communities are fighting back against cuts to bus services which have left many people feeling socially isolated.

It’s been 18 months since Dorset County Council announced it was cutting subsidies for bus services in a bid to save £1.85m. A host of services were deregistered across West Dorset as a result, causing huge public outcry.

But communities, many of which have been left without any services at all at weekends, are coming up with new ways of tackling the issue.

A round-town bus service in Bridport has made its maiden journey after being dedicated to the retired town clerk whose efforts made it possible.

Service 7 was officially launched by Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Barry Irvine, last week and will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays for a six-month trial period across Bridport, West Bay, Bothenhampton, Lower Walditch, Bradpole and Allington.

The new bus aims to compensate for the loss of local bus services by providing access to shops and other town facilities. Bridport Town Council also hopes it will fulfil a social purpose.

Council leader, Cllr Sarah Williams, said: “Many people told us how difficult it is to get into town following cuts to funding that led to bus services being withdrawn. They also said that buses are an important meeting place and help to reduce social isolation. We hope the new service will fill those gaps – but it is a ‘use it or lose it’ service so we need the community to support it if it’s to carry on after the trial period.”

The town council paid tribute to former town clerk Bob Gillis for his role in getting the service up and running. Mr Gillis retired in July after 11 years in the role.

Cllr Williams said: “Many local organisations were involved in planning the new bus service, but Bob pulled everything together and made it happen. We call it Bob’s Bus because of his tireless efforts.”

For its first journey, the mayor was joined on the bus by councillors and others involved in setting up the service as well as the first paying passenger, local resident Freda Scadden.

Concessionary passes can be used on the bus, but the council is encouraging those who can afford it to keep their pass in their pocket.

“We know that many people would be prepared to pay to keep local bus services running," added Cllr Williams.

A new community bus has also been set up in Beaminster, linking rural communities to the town.

The new CB3 service links villages around Bridport, Beaminster and Crewkerne on a Saturday and is run by volunteers and Beaminster Town Council with help from Dorset County Council.

Bob Driscoll, of the Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG), says the news buses are a 'lifeline' for older people and those living in rural communities, many of whom have experienced social isolation since services were deregistered.

Mr Driscoll said: "It's very pleasing that the town council's have taken this interest. It's quite apparent there is a definite demand for these services and they are providing a vital social service. Social needs have been neglected badly since services were cut; Broadwindsor and Beaminster, for example, had no public transport at all on a Saturday and Sunday, which cut people off , so it's really pleasing to see local communities and town council's having a say."

With Service 7 on a trial period, Mr Driscoll says it is too early to say what the long term future of both services will be.

"We're taking it one step at a time," he said.