MORE Stagecoach bus services in the Petersfield are facing the chop following the announcement of a Hampshire County Council cost-cutting exercise.
The number 72 Alton to Petersfield Saturday service is top of the local list, and will save the council £6,136 a year.
Also facing the axe is the number 13 Alton to Liphook Saturday service which costs £3,180 a year to run, and the Monday to Saturday 37A Horndean to Clanfield service, which will reduce the countyÕs bus service budget by £8,000.
Released last Thursday, the news has caused outrage among opposition party members who have described the Conservative-run county councilÕs decision to slash services as Òa body blow to bus users.Ó
County councillor Tony Ludlow said the loss of the valued local service was part of a £400,000 cost-cutting exercise which, he fears, could have a devastating effect on passengers living in the Alton, Bordon and Petersfield area.
He warned: ÒThe Conservative budget required savings in bus subsidy of £400,000 so there must be worse to come.Ó
The final list of local bus services to be reduced will be decided by Hampshire County Council cabinet member Keith Estlin.