A BUS service serving residents in east Dorset has been saved for 2018 after parishes and a community transport provider came together.

Transport funding was withdrawn in July 2017 by Dorset County Council and it was feared the 97 service would be lost. The bus serves areas including Fordingbridge, Ringwood, Alderholt, Cranborne and Verwood.

Dorset Community Transport (DCT) stepped in to continue the route without subsidy. But to ensure the service was able to continue into the new year local councils in Alderholt, Cranbourne, and Edmondsham and Knowlton came together to fund the route.

Tim Christian, the general manager of DCT, said: “In a time of austerity cuts, and ever-dwindling facilities in rural villages, bus routes into town like service 97 are the only way many people can access basic necessities.”

He added: “Since DCT has been running this service for the last six years, we were keen to ensure continuity for residents, despite the lack of subsidy while local communities were formulating a long-term solution.

“This is a prime example of what can be achieved when neighbouring parishes come together and work in partnership with a local community transport operator to provide a much-needed service.”

Alderholt Parish Council chairman Councillor Gina Logan, said: “Alderholt Parish Council is delighted that with support from Cranborne and Edmondsham Parish Council, Knowlton Parish Council and Dorset County Council we have secured the 97 bus for 2018. This combined effort and unstinting support from Dorset Community Transport has resulted in the provision of a service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Dorset Community Transport has managed to retain a stop in Edmondsham and include Woodlands on the route, and added an additional early afternoon service from Fordingbridge to Alderholt, and beyond by request.

“Please be aware this service is only provided for 2018, and during the year we will be evaluating the service and looking at ways to ensure that some form of transport can be provided for our residents but it will be dependent upon usage and financial viability.”