It's all change on the buses as a company cuts services until next year.

The changes, which came into effect on Sunday, reflect service usage during the winter season, say bus firm First.

It means some services stop early, some Sunday buses have stopped and some routes have been withdrawn completely across the county.

In west Dorset, the X51 and X53 Jurassic Coaster routes (Dorchester/Weymouth – Bridport – Lyme – Regis - Axminster) have seen Sunday services withdrawn until Easter next year. Sunday service will return in spring 2019.

The West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG) has asked First Wessex to reconsider the move.

A new Service 7 was launched in Bridport last month and has not been affected by the change - however it has been stressed that it is a 'use it or lose it' service currently undergoing a trial period.

Bridport Town Council stepped in to resurrect the service - which operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays across Bridport, West Bay, Bothenhampton, Lower Walditch, Bradpole and Allington - and awarded a contract to First, with a £2 single/£3 return fare. Concessionary passes can be used and, while buses stop at all First Wessex stops, they can also be hailed along the route.

At a recent meeting of the town council's finance and general purpose committee, councillors heard feedback to date has been 'largely positive' and the number of paying passengers is rising towards the target level for achieving income of £1,800 to set against a cost of £9,620. However, it was suggested that other ways of encouraging passengers to pay should be looked at and that those with buses should, where possible, 'keep it in their pocket' and pay a fare.

Service 6 (Bridport - Beaminster) will also see 'very minor' changes to its morning timetable, according to First.