Packed meeting hears concerns after cuts to bus services

Reductions in bus services has led to people feeling isolated and lonely

Cuts to bus services are "causing serious social problems for people", campaigners said.

A packed meeting heard that since Hampshire County Council reduced bus subsidies in January people were "stuck in their homes" and their "independence" had been taken away.

The X1, X2 and 119 services, which operate in the New Forest, have been reduced.

The council said the cuts were due to the government cutting its grant.

Lymington Town Council, which organised the meeting at St Thomas Hall, in High Street, said it would prepare a report for the county council detailing people's concerns

Town mayor Michael White said fewer buses were "causing a great deal of distress right through the Forest".

He said: "The service isn't adequate. It's causing serious social problems for people."

Finite budget

The meeting was attended by about 150 people who said they had missed appointments and church services, and had to wait in long queues because of fewer buses.

One resident told BBC Radio Solent: "A lot of them get on the bus so they can meet and greet people, go out and have a cup of coffee.

"Loneliness is a terrible thing. We need the buses so people can get out of their houses."

Bus operator More bus said it was looking at what more it could do.

County councillor Seán Woodward said all bus services were kept under review but it had "to make the best use of the finite budget available".