Updated: "Lifeline" bus route saved (From Thisisdorset)

Updated: Joy as 4B Weymouth bus route is saved after major campaign

9:45am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Latest By Martin Lea

A 'LIFELINE' bus route under threat in Weymouth which sparked a major campaign has been given a reprieve.

TravelWatch South West says the First bus company has agreed to continue to operate service 4B between Sutton Poyntz and Weymouth at an hourly frequency from Monday to Saturday.

It is understood it will operate for a minimum of four months to enable Dorset County Council to sort out traffic issues in the village which has affected bus operations.

The reprieve for service 4B follows a request from TravelWatch South West and a major campaign involving local bus users and residents, which included two public meetings. The campaign had the strong support from South Dorset MP Richard Drax and borough councillor for Preston Ian Bruce.

TravelWatch SouthWest director Gordon Edwards said: “This reprieve for service 4B is excellent news for Preston and Sutton Poyntz bus users and residents and for the thousands of visitors who will be staying at the Seaview Holiday Park and Northmoor Farm camping site this summer.

“This reprieve clearly demonstrates that a well organised campaign with very strong local support deploying logical and rational arguments can force a ‘U-turn’ from a large multi-national company.

“The onus is now on Dorset County Council to implement the necessary traffic management measures in Sutton Poyntz to ensure that the bus service can continue to operate beyond this four month extension.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: “This is good news.

“I am extremely grateful that the public campaign has paid off and hugely delighted that the Sutton Poyntz bus will return on an hourly basis."

He added: “I am disappointed First is not going to serve Mellstock Avenue nor Southill.  I very much hope that the county council can work with First and other bus providers to help Southill and I understand there are already discussions with about diverting existing subsidized services via Southill.”

Councillor Ian Bruce said, “We are so grateful for the way Richard Drax has worked tirelessly to find an excellent result for Sutton Poyntz."