LOCAL bus services which would have been axed as part of major cuts are to be saved.

Transport bosses in Eastleigh are to fund routes that were due to vanish under Hampshire County Council cutbacks.

It was unclear last night whether Winchester City Council would follow its lead.

Eastleigh Borough Council has saved several evening and weekday services in Chandler's Ford, Eastleigh, Hedge End, Hamble, Butlocks Heath and Fair Oak.

David Airey, Eastleigh's Cabinet member for transport, said: "Some £500,000 has been removed from Hampshire County Council's countywide budget with further cuts proposed in future years.

"This is a drastic step and one which Eastleigh cannot support. We will therefore be providing funding from our public transport budget to make sure important bus services are maintained for our communities."

In Winchester a city council spokeswoman said the authority would have to look into routes, subsidies and locations before making a decision.

"It's a complicated situation and we're seeking further information from the county before we make a comment on the proposals," she said.