DORSET County Council has reacted to problems on the county’s school buses by removing five services from contractor Damory Coaches for a week.

Damory had been appointed to run some 200 journeys across the county – but the early days of term were blighted by complaints about buses not turning up and children being left stranded.

The county has said it is using its own fleet and other contractors to cover five journeys for a week.

It will seek to recover its costs from the bus operator.

The journeys would “revert” to Damory once all other routes were operating normally, it said.

Cllr Toni Coombs, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I have every sympathy with parents and children who have been affected and would like to reassure them we are doing everything we can to improve the situation. This is a new contract and we would always expect some teething problems as it beds in. However, the scale of these problems is unprecedented, and we appreciate that the effect is significant and a major concern to parents.”

Senior council officials were in constant talks with Damory managers, the council said.

Cllr Coombs added: “Damory have been open in explaining the issues facing them in the implementation of this substantial new contract, and the number of the problems that have occurred.

“Following detailed discussions, our managers have been assured by Damory that it has suitable plans in place to correct the problems and improve performance. I shall personally be closely monitoring this to ensure that we keep on track.”

The council is also organising extra appeal hearings to deal with the number of parents unhappy that their children are no longer entitled to free bus travel because of council cuts.

Parents can complain about problem with the buses by submitting an online complaint form at dorsetforyou.com /complaints/county or by calling 01305 221061.