First Wessex has announced major changes to its bus services.

From Sunday, March 29, the bus operator will operate a limited daily service on the X53 between Bridport, Lyme Regis and Axminster with only four journeys from Bridport each day.

It is also moving Services 1,2 and 10 to a Sunday timetable daily, with additional journeys during peak times to ensure key workers, including health service and emergency workers, can get to and from their places of work and those without a car can still collect medical prescriptions or do their essential shopping.

Unfortunately, no other services will run due to the expected limited demand for travel.

The announcement comes after Government outlined strict new measures to tackle the spread of coronavirus, including advice that people should leave home only to exercise once a day, travel to and from work where "absolutely necessary", shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs.

Concessionary Travel Cards can now be used before 9.30am every day of the week.

First Wessex has briefed local authorities as well as the local Traffic Commissioner about the changes.

First Wessex managing director Marc Reddy said: “With much of the UK effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks, we have made the decision to move to a Sunday timetable to support those who still need to get to and from work and get out to shops and pharmacies, whilst fulfilling our own role as vital key workers during this time of national crisis.

“Just a few weeks ago it was almost inconceivable that these restrictions would be in place, which only underlines what a challenging, dynamic and rapidly evolving situation the UK faces, and which First Wessex is monitoring and responding to day-by-day, hour-by-hour.

“Rest assured everything is being done to keep key workers mobile as the nation comes together to limit the spread of coronavirus.”

He added: “We also encourage all customers to switch to contactless payments and purchasing tickets via our Mobile app where possible. We will still accept cash payments but appreciate their assistance in helping to limit the spread of coronavirus and keep our drivers safe”.

“Regular customers can be assured we will endeavour to get more frequent services back up and running as soon as the Government decides it is safe to do so.

“Please bear with us as given the fast-changing nature of the situation it will be difficult to keep all our communication channels updated with the latest information.”