A SMALL business owner in Weymouth claims this week’s bus strike has hurt her trade.

First Dorset drivers in Weymouth and Bridport walked out this week, with four further days planned for next week.

Fiona Ashford, who runs the Captain’s Table restaurant and takeaway in St Thomas Street, claimed she has lost money due to the strike.

She said: “Trade had just started to pick up and now, for the last two days, I have taken half of what I normally take.

“People cannot come into town, so I have got no custom.

“Holidaymakers are hanging around the caravan sites because there’s no buses.”

Despite the claims, buses are running on many routes, albeit less frequently.

The bus to Littlesea camp is among those not running.

Drivers have walked out after months of negotiations.

First Dorset has put into place a revised timetable for the duration of the strike.

Mrs Ashford said: “I do not think they should be on strike in the first place. They know it is a seasonal trade town.

“When Weymouth is dead, they won’t need buses anyway, because people won’t be coming to Weymouth.”

Unite regional officer Bob Lanning said: “We regret any hardship to local businesses – our members are part of the Weymouth community and have a strong interest in a thriving and prosperous town.

“May I suggest that local businesses put pressure on the bus company to seek an equitable settlement – as the foot dragging has been on its side.”

Marc Reddy, First Dorset managing director, said: “This industrial action is completely unnecessary, and as well as harming our own business and the confidence people have in public transport, it is, as these traders rightly point out, also having a knock on impact on the local economy.

“We want to bring this matter to an end as quickly as possible and so we’d urge the union to get back round the table to formally resolve this with us.”