A DIRECT bus service linking Marwell with Eastleigh train station is one of the first beneficiaries of new funding to enable people to leave the car at home.

The South Downs National Park Authority is paying £8,000 into the scheme to Marwell Zoo, which attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year but is difficult to reach by public transport.

The nearest regular bus stop is 20 minutes walk away on a busy road with no pavements so the majority of visitors travel by car or take the bus at weekends and on Bank Holidays.

Lisa Mayer, sustainable transport officer for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “The Marwell bus service, running from Eastleigh train station every day during the school holidays will make visiting this part of the South Downs National Park without a car safer and easier.”

The grant, 50 per cent of the costs of the project with an £8,000 grant over two years, will support running costs and promotion of the service.

Additional funding is coming from Marwell Wildlife and the Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership.