Changes on the buses for timetables

Bus users in South and West Dorset will see changes to their services. Dorset Council said passengers will see service numbers and timetables change under the management of new operators.

An authority spokesperson said bus operators will continue to go through a tender process to run a particular bus route for a contracted price paid to the council.

The spokesperson added: “The difference will be that Dorset Council will receive

Parking permit process ‘simpler’

Changes are being made to car parking permission and charges.

Dorset Council members have agreed the authority needs to ‘simplify’ how drivers apply for parking permits and offer a new physical permit to motorists without smartphones.

A new ‘multiday’ ticket will be introduced after the authority received feedback from tourists, and dedicated areas for motorhomes will be created at Portland and West Bay. The maximum stay limits in all Dorset Council car parks will be increased to three or four hours.

Shire Hall for free

Children can visit Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester for free this half-term from Saturday 11-18.

Up to three children per paying adult can visit the museum to enjoy interactive learning.

the income from passengers and the value of the contract will reflect this change, whereas previously the operator collected this money. The council will analyse passenger numbers and adjust services accordingly. The timetables are agreed by the council and the operator as part of the contract. There is also a possibility that cross operator pricing can be introduced to make it easier for people to move around.”

There are four services already running under this new arrangement: Service 2 (previously X2), Service 3 (previously X4) and Service 5 (previously X11) now run by South West Coaches as well as Service 6 (previously 6, 6A, 6B) now run by First Wessex, with another two services launched last month. These new services replace the X3/Service 7 run by Go South Coast/Damory between Blandford and Shaftesbury plus the X10/Service 4 run by First Wessex between Blandford and Yeovil.

Dorset Council’s lead member for environment, travel and harbours, Nocturin Lacey-Clarke, said: “This change in the way the services are managed means that we have more control on what is being offered to Dorset residents.” n Information about timetables can be found traveline.info

Single fares on all buses in Dorset are currently capped at £2 as part of the government’s help for households scheme and will continue until the end of March.

THANKS SO MUCH: Handing over the cheque at Dorchester Community Church

Artists’ £1,500 food share boost

Art In Poundbury has donated £1,500 to the local food share project in Dorchester Community Church after a successful third exhibition in the Jubilee Hall. Artists from the Casterbridge Art Society and the Weymouth group Artwey along with other artists showcased their work to 2,500 visitors. The exhibition involved many groups from Poundbury and Dorchester communities. Children from Damers First School and The Prince of Wales School together with residents of Melrose Court Retired Living got involved in the art installation by conceptual artist Linda Ashe. Linda continued the theme of the exhibition Making Our Mark to create the eye-catching installation which took everyone by surprise as they entered the hall, with amazing sculpted hangings high above them.

The exhibition was curated by professional artist Teresa Lawton, who is based in Upwey, and the whole project was led by renowned pastel artist Judy Tate, who works from her studio in Poundbury. The team are already planning their fourth exhibition, which will take place in May 2023.