AXING 30 bus routes in Poole has led to immediate hardship for passengers relying on services running through Parkstone's busy Ashley Road shopping area.

Sweeping changes over the Bank Holiday weekend by Wilts and Dorset Buses has left some residents journeying miles out of their way to reach their destination - or worse - having no bus service to take them where they were once able to go.

Sean Cook, a wheelchair user from Ashley Road, said he relies on the axed 106 service for a social life, because it takes him to bingo in Tower Park every Sunday.

"There is no longer a Tower Park service from Parkstone," he said.

"This is going to affect a lot of people's social lives. I know a lot of elderly people who can't get there. I have spoken to the bus company and they say it's not financially viable for them to run the service.

"I don't drink and I don't go out anywhere else, so they're cutting off my social life."

Also facing difficulties is Eileen Roberts, of Sandcotes Road, in Lower Parkstone.

Normally she would hop on the 150 service from Swanage to Ashley Road to reach her medical centre, bank and also to transfer on to buses going into Poole or Bournemouth town centres.

But she claims she no longer has that option, even though she is only a mile away from Ashley Road.

"Now I have to get a bus and go to Westbourne and change there to come back to Ashley Road, or to go to Poole town centre," said Eileen, who is retired.

She says a number of her friends face the same predicament.

"When you go to Ashley Road you have all the facilities that you need and you can jump on a bus to Poole or Bournemouth."

Mrs Roberts, who has written to Wilts and Dorset Buses and Poole council's transport department, said: "The bus company just haven't given us a thought. We pay council tax. It seems very unfair we can't get to local shops and the health centre."

A Wilts and Dorset spokesman said: "Every alteration to our timetable is monitored and always under review.

"The public should always make Wilts and Dorset aware of any problems they are having with the timetable."

Jim Bright, Poole council's head of transportation services, said the council had worked hard with other bus operators to try to fill gaps left by Wilts and Dorset's changes.

He added: "We encourage people affected by the changes to contact the council's transportation section who will be able to advise on different travel options."

First published: August 31