PEOPLE power is reviving bus services across the district.

Passengers in Bournemouth and Poole have pressured their councils to restore services axed by bus companies as uneconomical.

The 134 and 135 services run between Bournemouth and Ringwood via Winton, Northbourne, Kinson and Ferndown.

Wilts and Dorset's services will end in January after red bus chiefs declared them commercially unviable.

But a protest to Bournemouth Council by passengers who contacted Cllr Roger West has secured an alternative service.

Cllr West said the council's actions were proof of the public's power to get things done. "I think people power was crucial to reinstating this service," he said.

The Redhill and Northbourne councillor said the topography of the route was a critical consideration for passengers.

Petitioner Frances Woodsford, 94, said she had once tried walking up Redhill Drive on her return from a shopping trip.

"I had to stop every 100 paces and sit down on a low wall because I've got a bad heart," said the retired council secretary.

Miss Woodsford added that securing the service's future for fellow passengers had left her feeling triumphant.

Cllr Robert Lawton, Bournemouth council's portfolio holder for transport, said he had agreed to subsidise the route because no alternative service was available.

But the transport chief added that the route would remain under review as the council's limited resources could not be used to subsidise an under-used service.

A petition to restore a bus service in west Alderney has also put wheels in motion.

Ward councillor Tony Trent delivered a petition collected by residents on the estate, which lies to the west of Ringwood Road on the approach from Poole to the Mountbatten Arms roundabout.

Cllr Trent said Poole council's route and branch working group had welcomed a proposal to extend the Rossmore Flyer to loop around the Mountbatten Arms roundabout and serve west Alderney and Loewy Crescent.

Poole council's portfolio holder for transport, Cllr Mike White, said he expected a final decision on the proposed service in the new year.

Petitioner Louise Lightbown said people on the estate were delighted with the news.

"It's marvellous news and a really good thing for the estate," she Mrs Lightbown.

"People power does count," she added.