A VITAL bus link along the Jurassic Coast faces the axe on Sundays over the winter because of funding cuts.

Members of Bridport Town Council were concerned after hearing that the X53 service is likely to end if Devon County Council withdraws its subsidy for the service for the days.

The bus stops at popular spots on the Jurassic Coast on its run from Exeter to Poole.

Town councillors warned that it was crucial to keep the service out of season – from October to March – as well as the summer months.

Coun David Rickard said: “It is quite incredible that public transport to the Jurassic Coast should be over.

“If the bus is full it doesn’t need funding from Devon County Council.”

He added: “Residents and locals tend to go out more in the winter.”

The development emerged when Coun Sarah Williams reported from a meeting of the Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG).

The committee heard that the X53 would continue in the summer but was likely to end in the winter because it is Devon County Council funded.

Coun Keith Day said: “It would be useful to have an idea of how many people use it on Sundays.”

He added: “To stop this service along the Jurassic Coast doesn’t seem to make sense.”

Coun Rickard suggested sending a letter to Devon county council saying Bridport wanted the bus to continue.