BUS travellers in North Dorset have been left in the dark after a company suddenly announced it was axing three services.

Wiltshire-based Frontera has ceased operating its 241, 242 and 243 services to Yeovil from Shillingstone, Gillingham and Sturminster Newton.

Now county transport chiefs are trying to establish how many commuters are affected and if a new operator can be found.

No one at Frontera was available to comment but principal public transport co-ordinator at Dorset County Council Peter Impett said the loss of the services was particularly serious for villagers in Stourton Caundle, who were now without any public transport.

"We have had several phone calls from members of the public concerned about the loss of the service," he said.

"The company sent us a letter notifying us of its intention but they should have notified the Traffic Commission."

Clerk to Sturminster Newton Town Council Michael Fagg said: "I presume the company found there were not enough passengers using the service.

"There are other operators in the town which go to Yeovil so we are not going to be cut off."

Meanwhile, commuters wanting to head north, who were furious when National Express axed its 333 service through North Dorset, can now catch a new service from Shaftesbury to Bath.

Wiltshire County Council has extended one of its shopping services from Gillingham to Shaftesbury every Saturday.

Licensing officer at North Dorset District Council Jacqui Andrews said: "It will be a great help for the people wanting to go north from Shaftesbury but it's still not providing for residents living in the south of the district."

National Express sparked anger earlier this year when it re-routed the 333 service along the coast to Weymouth, Dorchester and Yeovil, missing out the north of the county altogether.

First published: October 18