A LEADING watchdog is warning that extensive cuts to Dorset's bus services will be "hugely damaging to people and communities across the region".

Bus Users UK have slammed "extraordinary" cutbacks to services in the area that will largely affect rural communities.

Areas in Dorset such as Wimborne and Blandford will see a large reduction in services from July 24.

Dorset County Council slashed their transport budget by 50% in 2016 to save £1.5 million following a reduction in their funding.

The budget for school transport was also reduced by £850,000 in an attempt to balance the books.

One of the national directors of Bus Users UK, David Redgewell, said: "We've never seen this level of cutbacks. It's an extraordinary amount of cutbacks.

"The level of service reduction in Dorset is some of the deepest I've seen in the south of England and obviously it's going to affect a lot of people in rural communities. You're going to find villages without access to bus services at all.

"We are asking Dorset County Council to look at this again. We are concerned that the MPs haven't taken the matter up with the government because in other places where there's been bus service cutbacks the issue has been raised with ministers in government to see whether extra funding could be received for extra resources.

"I feel disappointed that, that hasn't happened in Dorset. You won't be able to get around Dorset. I would urge readers to contact their MP and to raise the issue with the government."

Dorset County Council consulted local communities about the plans in 2016, but Mr Redgewell says he was "concerned" by the lack of further consultation with the public after this year's local and national elections.

The council are planning to open more school services for use by the public to try and ensure rural residents can access Dorset's market towns.

Bus Users UK highlighted during their consultation last year that the cuts proposed threatened to leave vulnerable people isolated and without access to essential services, work and education.

Despite these warnings, the council is pushing ahead with the plans for what the watchdog call "devastating cuts to services".