WEST Dorset public transport campaigners have called on Dorset Council to do more to help improve local services.

In a statement to the council’s February meeting in Dorchester on Tuesday evening it said the immediate priority was the No 6 service where cuts are due in the coming weeks.

John Collingwood from the South West Transport Network told councillors:

“We are unhappy with proposed cuts to the Crewkerne - Beaminster - Bridport hospital bus services from May 2020.

“First Wessex have withdrawn operations on their portion of service 6 but First South West have still maintained their part of the route.  Buses of Somerset are maintaining Yeovil bus services.

“Will Dorset County Council work with Somerset County Council, Bridport Town Council, Beaminster Town Council and Crewkerne Town Council to maintain and improve services between Bridport - Dorchester South - Lyme Regis - Axminster and Yeovil as well as ensure that buses services are provided on Sunday's and weekday evenings.

“Currently, it seems as though there will be no Sunday services until the 1st May 2020,” said Mr Collingwood.

He said the group was also pressing for progress on disabled access to Dorchester South and Dorchester West stations, and for other stations on the Bristol - Weymouth line as well as a lift at Wareham station.

He said that additional funding of £299,000 in subsidy from the Department of Transport was ‘most welcome’ and the group would like it to be used on improvements to local bus services.

Mr Collingwood also asked if the council could press for through ticketing on the service 30 between Taunton and Axminster.

Council transport spokesman Cllr Ray Bryan said the authority was aware of all the issues and working, with partners, on trying to resolve them.