BUS operator First is warning customers that gas works starting in Dorchester next week will impact on its services.

Routes in and out of the town will be affected as Southern Gas Networks begin 12 weeks of repair works along Weymouth Avenue on Monday.

First’s number 10 service between Weymouth and Dorchester and the X31 serving the county town, Bridport and Axminster will both see changes during the works.

The number 10 will travel the normal route from Weymouth to Dorchester but will return from Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester via Damers Road and divert using Maumbury Road before resuming the normal route from Weymouth Avenue.

Customers who would normally use the Brewery Square bus stop to travel towards Weymouth will be directed to the bus stop on Maumbury Road, which is currently used for the town’s park and ride service.

Brewery Square bus stops in both directions are also likely to be closed off for the whole period the works are taking place.

Traffic lights could add to delays to the services and First says it will endeavour to ensure the X31 will connect with trains at Dorchester South Station during the roadworks.

Queen’s Avenue bus stops will also be affected as the works progress.

First Wessex general manager Simon Newport said: “We shall do everything we can to keep our services running as smoothly as possible in Dorchester, but depending on the congestion and delays likely to occur, they may be subject to change.”

To keep up with the latest information from First on the impact of the works visit first group.com/ukbus/dorset