'Anger’ and ‘dismay’ has been expressed at further cuts to bus service - and urgent action demanded. Bridport Town Council has called for local bus services to be restored following a series of cuts.

It says the recently-announced cutting of First Wessex Service 6 from May 1, 2020, is the latest in a long line of reductions that have caused job losses, reduced access to hospital and education services, increased rural isolation and loneliness, and prevented potential visitors from contributing to the local economy.

The council says fewer buses will also mean increases in car use, in direct conflict with the climate and ecological emergency.

Town council leader, Cllr Dave Rickard, said “We are angry and dismayed that our citizens - who rely on bus services for their livelihood, health and wellbeing – have been deserted.

Dorset Council is the transport authority in our area and we need them to act now to reverse the decline.” According to a 2019 report published by the Campaign for Better Transport, spending on buses in Dorset reduced from £5.8m per annum in 2010/11 to £1.2m in 2018- 19, a reduction of 79 per cent over the course of nine years.

By comparison, over the same period, spending in Cornwall increased slightly, and in neighbouring Devon spending was up by a huge 86 per cent.

Cllr Rickard said: “These similarly rural counties have recognised the vital role that public transport plays for our communities, and in combating the climate crisis. This must also be our objective in Dorset.”

The town council has called on Dorset Council to take urgent action to provide financial support for previously withdrawn services on key routes, and to arrange a stakeholder summit as a first step towards understanding and delivering bus services that meet the needs of the local community and the challenge of climate change.