WEST Dorset X31 bus protesters are frustrated their petition to Dorset County Council has been rejected on a technicality.

Campaigner John Collingwood, who has been fighting for the reinstatement of evening services on the Dorchester to Axminster route, said: "Our petition has been rejected as it does not include full addresses, just postcodes, and 'due to the potential political sensitivity of the matter' 'would not have been appropriate to consider the matter' during the 'purdah period for elections'."

In a letter to Mr Collingwood from Jason Read, democratic services officer, said the council's petition scheme clearly states addresses must be included.

He added: "In addition to the absence of the required address information, please note that it is unlikely that the petition would have been considered at the upcoming meeting of the county council due to the potential sensitivity of the matter."

Mr Read said the petition could be re-submitted later and only 50 names would be needed with full addresses for the petition to be considered by committee - or 1000 for a meeting of the county council.

Supporters on Facebook urged the group to try again.

Rachel French said: "In the spirit of democracy they should accept the petition. Yes I think this decision can be challenged. It's so dispiriting after all the work that's gone into it. I would help in starting again."

James Williams added: "Dealing with the DCC can be akin to hitting your head against a brick wall. Hang in there and re-group. Try also looking at the government's guidelines on the internet: 'Listening to communities: Statutory guidance on the duty to respond to petitions'."