RESIDENTS concerned about the axing of a bus service in Weymouth are invited to a meeting tomorrow.

A public meeting is being held in response to the First bus company pulling out of Sutton Poyntz.

It is part of a timetable shake-up announced by the company affecting services in Weymouth and Portland.

Changes will take effect from March 24.

Among the routes affected are service 4 to Preston, which is being altered, and 4B to Sutton Poyntz which is being axed altogether.

First said it was challenging to operate in the village due to narrow roads, parking concerns and a tight reversing manoeuvre at the top.

Borough councillor for Preston Ian Bruce is concerned the service is being axed and believes there could be a way of saving the route if First agreed to hold talks.

He has invited a representative from the firm to the meeting. South Dorset MP Richard Drax will also attend.

Coun Bruce said: “This is not a protest meeting.

“We want to try and find solutions.”

He and other councillors are arranging an audit to be undertaken to see how many people are using the bus.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting in the Mission Hall, Mission Hall Lane, Sutton Poyntz, at 11am on Saturday.