Concerns have been raised over accessibility after tweaks to a key bus route.

The number 6 from Bridport to Yeovil will be operated by First Wessex from the beginning of November after the company won contracts at tender.

One of the main bones of contention with the refreshed timetable is that the service no longer stops at Gerrards Green in Beaminster.

Bob Driscoll, committee member of Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG) said this was despite a "want" for the service.

Dorset Echo: Dorset Council are "confident" of a bright future for the route. Picture: Buses of Somerset

He said: "The main concern, and it seems quite unacceptable, is that the route will no longer serve Gerrards Green. There is a known demand for the service within that community and it is a not insignificant walk from the town centre to the estate, especially when you're carrying shopping.

"The route is now stopping at South Street in Bridport and there's nothing wrong with that in itself but I would hope it isn't stopping at South Street at the expense of Gerrards Green."

The route previously faced an uncertain future when, in July, it was announced that Buses of Somerset would cease operating the route at the end of October.

At the time WATAG said they were keen to provide input to help shape the future of the route.

Mr Driscoll said: "It is not what we would consider to be a long term solution. I think, to all intents and purposes, it is essentially the same service as the previous route and I know quite a few of us were hoping to see some substantial changes.

"I'm not going to be as critical as perhaps other people might be but it seems to me that this is a stop-gap service before we do get something more long-term.

"It seems to be a missed opportunity. We would very much welcome the opportunity for (WATAG) and other stakeholders to provide input so that the route can reflect the needs of the users."

The new timetable comes at the same time as a reduction in services connecting Lyme Regis and Seaton.

From Monday, October 31 the AVMT 378 service which runs between the two towns will reduce from four buses each way between Monday and Saturday to a more limited service running instead between Monday and Friday.