THE future remains uncertain for the Lyme Regis town bus as the town council continues to try and find an alternative solution.
It was reported in July that the vital service was under threat after Dorset Council ended the school contract with the bus operator.
The number 71, which is operated by Damory, was linked to the school bus service for Charmouth Primary, running as a town bus service in between school drop-off and pick-up times.
Dorset Council has awarded the school bus contract to Dorset Community Transport, which means the town bus service will end on 31 August.
Lyme Regis Town Council said it is continuing to do everything it can to find a replacement service.
Deputy town clerk Mark Green said: “We have invited proposals from bus operators and we are looking at other options for providing a service, including the costs of either acquiring or leasing a suitable vehicle and operating that through a volunteer or other arrangement.
“However, the current service will come to an end on 31 August and it seems extremely unlikely that anything can be put in place in time to secure a continuous service.”
The town council currently funds the town bus at a cost of over £16,000 a year.
Further updates on the future of the service will be reported to the Full Council meeting on 4 September.