Dorset Council has welcomed an announcement by the government that it will provide £3.8 million to help boost the county’s bus services.

The announcement is part of a wider £83 million package for the South West in what ministers say is a ‘record’ level of funding alongside ‘once-in-a-generation reform to deliver London-style bus services to every corner of the country’.

It says: ‘Areas like Devon, Dorset, and Swindon are among those receiving funding to improve buses for passengers at a level that is unprecedented in recent years.’

Responding to the news, Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: ‘Dorset Council welcomes this additional funding from central government that will help deliver our Bus Service Improvement Plan.

‘We will continue to work closely with our local bus operators, exploring new ways to provide a bus network that links with other forms of transport to provide all Dorset residents and visitors opportunities to access work, education, training, health services, and leisure opportunities within Dorset and neighbouring council areas.’

The council is likely to make a more detailed comment once it is known how this money is to be spent.

Alongside the £3,815,959 going to Dorset, some £6 million is going to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, while Wiltshire and Somerset county councils will each receive around £6.8 million.

Announcing the funding Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: ’The value of regular and reliable bus services cannot be understated.

‘For far too long the South West has been suffering from unreliable services with buses hugely delayed, or not even turning up at all.’

She added: ‘This funding kickstarts the bus revolution to bring an end to the postcode lottery of bus services, drive economic growth and make sure people have proper access to jobs and opportunities.’