LISS villagers have won their battle to save what they claim is a vital bus service to Petersfield.

They launched a campaign to save the bus after saying that it was the only form of transport for some villagers to reach work, to shop and to get to vital doctorÕs appointments.

Following the objections Hampshire County Council announced that it was to take another look at StagecoachÕs controversial decision to axe the bus, and was hoping to reinstate Ôsome sort of service.Õ

This week jubilant villagers have been told that part of the number 38 bus service will no longer be scrapped.

Stagecoach had said it was losing money on the service that ran between Petersfield and Whitehill, but the county council is able to subsidise a service between Petersfield and Liss Forest from June 2, as it meets value-for-money criteria.

ÒDespite the pressures on the bus services budget, IÕm delighted that the county council is able to keep this section of the route up and running for the people who need a bus link between Petersfield and Liss Forest,Ó said the county councilÕs executive member for environment, Keith Estlin.

ÒOur calculations have indicated that reasonable use is made of this particular section, and I hope that passengers will continue to do so to help its future.Ó

Negotiations with Stagecoach have resulted in this service being linked to what remains of service 38 to provide a through-service from Petersfield to Liss Forest.

School-time journeys from Bordon and Whitehill taking pupils to schools in Petersfield have also been secured.

The cost to the county council in a full year will be more than £60,000, with the funding available after savings were made from re-tendering exercises.

The subsidised service will initially run until the end of October, when it will be reviewed to see if a different or more cost-effective solution can be found.

ÒUnfortunately, our research has shown that very few people travel by bus between Liss Forest and Whitehill, except at school times on school days, and so we cannot justify funding this route,Ó said Mr Estlin.