POUNDBURY’S electric buses have temporarily been taken off the road as a new operator prepares to take over the running of the service.

The number 6 service is one of a number of routes in the town that is being operated by Damory from this week with a slightly revised service. Diesel buses have been operating in place of the electric vehicles on the Poundbury to Dorchester route over recent weeks in preparation for the handover.

Jan Stevenson, passenger transport manager for Dorset County Council, said: “A contract has recently been awarded to Damory to operate the Dorchester Town and Dorchester-Poundbury bus services.

“These will operate to a slightly revised timetable from this week onwards.

“Damory will also assume operation of the two electric buses once the loan agreement has been signed.

“In the meantime, the electric vehicles have been taken off the road to prepare them for transfer to Damory and the service is being temporarily operated by diesel buses.”