A Seaton resident has launched an online petition to save the bus route between his hometown and Lyme Regis. 

Luke Taylor launched the petition after it was announced that operator Stagecoach would be withdrawing the 9A service between Seaton and Lyme Regis on July 31.

Stagecoach said there was "insufficient passenger demand for this section of the route to continue on a commercial basis", but the withdrawal has been described as a major blow to both residents living along the route and visitors to the two towns.

Devon County Council are now looking into the possibility of finding a replacement operator to continue a similar service.

Luke, who lives in Seaton and works at the Herbies takeaway kiosk on Lyme Regis seafront, uses the 9A service to get to work everyday.

He commented: "This petition implores Devon County Council to ensure the 9A Seaton to Lyme Regis bus connection, a vital service for those living in the community and those who visit, continues after July 31 following Stagecoach's announcement the service is to be discontinued.

"Devon County Council needs to work with Stagecoach, other potential service providers, Dorset County Council and other appropriate bodies to ensure the service remains.

"This bus service is very much a lifeline for many people. For me personally it enables me to travel from Seaton to my place of work in Lyme Regis and I'm aware of many others in a similar situation.

"The bus is usually busy each morning and when I return home in the evening, so it would appear there is very much a demand for this service which is contrary to what Stagecoach are claiming.

"To my knowledge, the cutting of the service by Stagecoach was done with absolutely no public consultation, none of the users of the service were informed, many people like myself do not own a car.

"In an era where we are encouraged to use public transport to protect the environment, the decision to cut a bus service connecting two towns on the popular Jurassic Coast seems ludicrous.

"The service also provides a means for residents of Lyme to get around the town as the 71 town bus service only runs until 3pm, while the 9A runs seven days a week until the evening.

"It is essential all parties work together to find a solution to ensure this vital connection between East Devon and Dorset continues."

You can sign the petition at www.change.org/p/ensure-the-9a-seaton-to-lyme-regis-bus-connection-remains