PETERSFIELD pensioner Tony Shaw has slammed a bus operator for leaving travellers high and dry after axing a service last week.
He said the move would force people to buy cars and increase the need for parking space. Those who could not drive would be left isolated.
Mr Shaw, of Kimbers at Petersfield, found the lack of advance public warning particularly unhelpful, as it left no time to make other arrangements.
"There was no information at bus stops or on the buses about the new timetable and the withdrawal of buses between Whitehill and Liss Forest," said Mr Shaw.
"The drivers had no new timetables, and on the journey I made, the driver did not attempt to warn passengers travelling south of Whitehill that there would be no buses next week."
Mr Shaw notes that people in Liss knew what was happening and their lobbying of Hampshire County Council ensured that something was done to reinstate that part of the service. With no easy rail alternative he feels reinstating the entire service is the only way to make sure the matter is fully resolved.
"People will now have to buy cars, which will lead to more demand for parking," said Mr Shaw.
"Those who cannot drive or afford a car will no longer be able to make a journey."
As a non-driving pensioner Mr Shaw relied on the bus service for a day out. He could go to Winchester for lunch, or go shopping in Farnham.
"I won't be able to make those visits anymore," he said. "I am cut off."
When it was announced that part of the route was closing the county council's executive member for the environment Keith Estlin said: "Unfortunately, our research has shown that very few people travel by bus between Liss Forest and Whitehill, except at school times on schooldays, and so we cannot justify funding this route."
Next week Mr Estlin plans to reinstate the Liss Forest to Petersfield section of the number 38 bus, along with the number 72 Alton to Petersfield service, which was also earmarked to be cut.