BUS SERVICES run by an independent company will end this week due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

Southampton Mini Link serves customers across the area - from the city centre to Harefield to Chandler’s Ford to Eastleigh.

But the owners of the company have had to put the brakes on due to ill health, resulting in the company’s closure on October 9.

Owner Simon Gard said: “Unfortunately, my partner was taken unwell at the weekend, and I have also been experiencing some recent health issues, so I am left with little choice as I now need to spend time looking after my family.

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“The company was started... to provide local bus services where there were few other operators services available.

“Our popular bus services 13A and 14 have provided many journey options for passengers across the city since their introduction and we hope that another operator can be found to take on these popular services.”

The company’s 13A service travelled via City College, Woolston, Merryoak, and Bitterne, ending in Harefield.

The 14 bus travelled from the city centre to Chartwell Green while the C bus took travellers from Chandler’s Ford to Eastleigh.

The latter service will be extended to operate until October 28 to enable replacement services to be put in place.

All creditors including employees will be “satisfied in full” with all payments expected to be made no later than October 31.

Employees will be in touch with more details about this in due course.

Posting on the company's Facebook page one bus user said: "I'm so sorry to hear that your partner was taken unwell and that you too are having a problem health wise, I admit I will miss using Southampton Mini Link buses, as your bus service has been a godsend to me, especially on Sunday mornings which enabled me to get to work in Bitterne.

"So I say thank you to Southampton Mini Link your bus service has been very much appreciated and I hope you and your partner get well soon."

The company had hoped to expand next year. In August Winchester MP Steve Brine met with Mr Gard about a route between Chandler's Ford and South Millers Dale.

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