A RURAL replacement taxi service from a village near Petersfield for journeys to the town and back is coming under fire just two weeks after it was introduced to save money.

The Froxfield, High Cross and Steep to Petersfield '95' car share was introduced after funding for the 95 bus service was withdrawn by cash strapped Hampshire County Council.

In its place is a scheme for which passengers have to book in advance, with drop-off points at Petersfield railway station, the hospital, The Square or at Tesco superstore on the outskirts of town.

It allows for two hours of shopping in the town on a Wednesday and Friday morning, stopping at existing bus stops along the route. Fares have been retained and passengers can also use concessionary travel bus passes.

But both Marveen Smith, the chairman of Froxfield Parish Council, and parish councillor Theresa Gray have branded the new service "unsatisfactory".

For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.