The future remains uncertain for a Lyme Regis town bus 

As reported by the News last month, the Number 71 - used by both the elderly and schoolchildren - came under threat when Dorset Council ended its school transport contract with operator Damory.

The bus was linked to the school bus service for Charmouth Primary, running as a town bus service in between school drop-off and pick-up times.

Dorset Council has awarded the school bus contract to Dorset Community Transport, which means the town bus service will end on August 31.

Lyme Regis Town Council said it is continuing to do everything it can to find a replacement service.

Deputy town clerk Mark Green said: “We have invited proposals from bus operators and we are looking at other options for providing a service, including the costs of either acquiring or leasing a suitable vehicle and operating that through a volunteer or other arrangement.

“However, the current service will come to an end on 31 August and it seems extremely unlikely that anything can be put in place in time to secure a continuous service.”

The town council currently funds the town bus at a cost of more than £16,000 a year.

Further updates on the future of the service will be reported to the next Full Council meeting of the town council on September 4.