Lyme Regis residents have blasted Dorset Council for not finding a replacement after a town bus was cancelled.

As previously reported by the News in July, the Number 71 - used by both the elderly and schoolchildren - first came under threat when Dorset Council ended its school transport contract with operator Damory with its future uncertain.

Dorset Council has since awarded the school bus contract to Dorset Community Transport,  meaning the town bus service ended on August 31.

Adrian Robinson, 62, who lives in the town with his wife Joanna, used the service several times a week for shopping in town and said that he considered moving after the service ended.

He previously said: “We have very seriously looked at moving because daily living has become so difficult here. We have to go to Axminster or Bridport to just use a bank- it’s quite painful, literally.”

Now, Mr Robinson blasted Dorset Council for not finding a replacement. He said: “I think Dorset Council have a lot to answer for. They are responsible to ensure that elderly and disabled people are able to engage in social and physical activities.

Adrian Robinson and his wife Joanna at their local bus stopAdrian Robinson and his wife Joanna at their local bus stop (Image: Adrian Robinson)

“To be honest with you, they should be stepping up to the plate. Everything for them is Weymouth-centric and it's like they think that we are too far out.”

Mr Robinson has shown support for the town council following the its decision to look into a means of transport organised by the community.

He said: “The town council has been going above and beyond the call of duty, and I would not want to say anything bad about them. I’m supportive of the idea, and although it’s not going to meet all the needs, any effort is showing initiative for the greater needs of the community.

“As long as the bus can at least take people to the chemist, then that would at least be something.

A Dorset Council spokesperson added: “Dorset Council regularly reviews the vehicle sizes needed for our home-to-school transport routes. Depending on student numbers travelling on the bus, different sized vehicles are used accordingly.

“In the case of Charmouth School, Dorset Council was funding a 32-seater bus, for just 13 students. The bus was also too large for some of the rural narrow roads in the area, and could not pick up from some of the more remote households.

“We have now tendered for a 16-seater minibus which is more appropriate for the number of students and will be able to get to some of the more remote areas to pick up children.”