SOUTHAMPTON residents are calling for more to be done to save "lifeline" bus services from being axed.

Cuts to bus routes and timetables in Harefield have left residents stranded and calling for action.

The suburb is served by two main bus services - 13 Red City and 13a Southampton Mini Link.

First Bus, which runs the Red City 13, has confirmed the service will change from half-hourly to hourly due to falling demand while the 13a weekend service will stop due to the operator closing down. 

READ MORE: Southampton bus service saved from the axe - for three months

Retired community support officer, Babra Hancock, 71, said this is not the first time Harefield bus services have been under threat.

She said: "In 2015 we campaigned for better buses and sort of won at the time.

"The buses were unreliable and changing. This is happening again today.

"Our main issues are the frequency of the buses and the change to an hourly service.

"As well as that the buses end and begin at times when people who work or schoolchildren can't use them.

"If you left work at 5pm you couldn't get the bus and if you missed the bus you'd never make any appointments."

Campaigners worry that plans to move to an hourly service will "kill the route". 

READ MORE: Passengers' fear as bus service under threat

Emma Rowe, from Harefield, said she will need to use taxis to get to and from hospital appointments for her 12-year-old son who has special needs.

The 39-year-old said: "It's a £17 taxi one way to the General Hospital. I can't afford to do that every time. 

"He goes to a special needs school in Shirley and I don't know what I will do when everything changes.

"I can't always get every bus anyway because there might be baby buggies or pushchairs since my son is in a wheelchair.

"We've all been caught in the crossfire."

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Transport and District Regeneration, said the council will "protect" the current level of bus services. 

He said: "I am pleased we have been able to work with First to achieve continuing this service with support from the city council.

"I was also able to ensure the City Red 13 which now serves Harefield and Merry Oak will operate two early morning services to support children attending Woodlands Community College. 

"It is both disappointing and regrettable that Mini Link will discontinue its operation because these services were very valued by local residents."

Cllr Keogh pointed out that "regrettably", the previous administration's funding bids under the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and zero-emission bus regional area (ZEBRA) scheme were unsuccessful.

He said the amount provided by the government for bus services in the area is "far too little and too infrequent".

He added: "As a Labour administration we have continued the £1 evening bus fares and we will continue to support the group 5 for 5 tickets.

"But all local authorities face huge financial pressures and it is vital that any local bus service is supported by central government."

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