CUTS to summer rail services between Weymouth and Waterloo will do little for the area’s economy as it struggles out of pandemic.

Portland councillor Paul Kimber says the new timetable from mid-May will return to hourly services with the loss of some early and late trains.

He says that for many, needing to get to Southampton or London for morning meetings, or home from a West End show, will be forced to drive because there will be no alternative.

Cllr Kimber told an online Dorset Council meeting on Thursday evening that the changes would also impact the authority’s declarations on climate change with one of its policies to increase the use of public transport and reduce car use.

Said Cllr Kimber: “The new timetable for Monday to Friday, starting on 17th May will be hourly with the loss of early morning trains and late trains from Waterloo to Weymouth, although it will be a through service. We have lost early morning trains from Weymouth and the 2135 from Waterloo to Weymouth.

“I have received complaints about the new rail timetable from passengers to Weymouth to Waterloo.  Passengers are concerned that many of our trains on the new timetable have been cut resulting in less trains with off peak travel reduced.

“I also understand from travellers to Southampton will have to revert to using their cars and this must be an issue right across Dorset for people working in Southampton wanting to travel back after 2200,” he said.

Council transport and climate change portfolio holder Cllr Ray Bryan said he was concerned by the changes, but understood the situation because of a reduction in passenger numbers brought about by Covid.

“We will be working with SWR in future to at least reinstate the existing timetable and preferably to provide a more frequent service.

”I will also be working with Chris Loder MP to work towards Dorset having a much improve public transport offering for the coming years, including of course our rail network.”

Similar cuts to service are also expected on the Bristol to Weymouth line although Network Rail’s website currently shows no details for either summer service – stating that the timetable will be published when it becomes available.