RESIDENTS are a 'Lidl' closer to being able to catch the bus to and from Portland's new supermarket.

Bus company First has confirmed that its Weymouth-Portland services will divert off their usual route and stop to pick up and drop off passengers outside Lidl on Hamm Beach Road, Osprey Quay, from May.

When the budget store opened in November last year there were no plans for buses to stop there. With the nearest stop several hundred metres away, at Victoria Square, the lack of public transport means the store is inaccessible to residents who don't have a car and who are unable to walk there.

However First has now confirmed that its number 1 service, and the 501 open-top service will both be calling at the store once a new bus shelter has been installed by Dorset Council.

The news has been welcomed by islanders. As reported, Portland resident Penny Davage set up a petition calling for a change to the route.

She said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to bits - I'm sure the general consensus across the island is that the new bus stop is very much needed.

"It's so frustrating that the bus drives right past [Lidl] at the moment.

"I've got limited sight which means I can't drive, and it's just that bit too far to walk there and back, especially with shopping.

"[The additional stop] is badly needed and should be a simple change as the store is right by the roundabout.

"It is absolutely wonderful news for the island."

Cllr Sue Cockings, Mayor of Portland, said the addition of a new stop 'makes common sense'.

She said: "It's fantastic news for the island - great for members of the community who don't have a car, as well as having an environmental benefit as it gives people the option of using public transport to do their shopping.

"It's just common sense to introduce an extra stop along that route and I've been writing to Dorset Council to urge them to build a new bus shelter so that the service can stop outside Lidl."

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "We’re working closely with First on this. We’re in the process of organising shelters for two existing bus stops on Hamm Beach Road. One is outside the Sailing Academy and the other is near Lidl."

Upon opening the store in November, Lidl confirmed it was in discussions with First about the store being added to the bus route.

No-one at Lidl was available to comment on the new announcement.