THOUSANDS of bus passengers could be left stranded next month as up to 600 Wilts and Dorset bus drivers get set to strike.

The drivers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike, sparking fears of massive disruption.

Poole council's portfolio holder for transportation, Ron Parker, raised worries the strike could have a "serious effect" on residents, especially those elderly and disabled who are dependent on half-price council concessions for bus travel to get around.

"I'd be particularly concerned about people using hospital bus services," he said.

"Clearly, it's a matter for management and staff, but as the Borough of Poole, we would be very disappointed if it happened.

"We hope that both sides can get together to reach a satisfactory solution."

Wilts and Dorset services run throughout Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas, and the company also runs the Bournemouth University bus service.

In a ballot on Tuesday May 17, 83 per cent of Wilts and Dorset's members of the transport union RMT voted in favour of industrial action unless the company negotiates with them over pay and conditions.

There are two RMT branches for Wilts and Dorset workers, in Poole and Salisbury, with a total of around 600 members, and the union's regional organiser, Phil Bialyk, said he hopes all the members will support the action.

"We have had meetings with the members and they are adamant they want to take this course of action," he said.

"We're still hoping, even at this late stage, that the action can be called off, and are seeking a settlement."

He added that he will be meeting Wilts and Dorset's managing director, Alex Carter, next week, but said that if they do not come to a satisfactory resolution, the strike planned for June 7 may not be the only day of action.

"We're not doing this for a joke," he said.

The union is asking for a substantial rise in the pay rate, overtime and unsociable hours payments, and says that, so far, it has only been offered limited improvements to conditions and a modest pay increase spread over 18 months.

Wilts and Dorset has not yet been officially notified about the possible industrial action, but a spokesman for the company said: "Wilts and Dorset understands that the ballot has gone in favour of strike.

"Alex Carter hopes to be able to have further discussions with them again before that date."

Wilts and Dorset, which was taken over by Go Ahead in 2003, is currently bidding to take over Bournemouth's Yellow Buses service.

First published: May 20