IMPORTANT talks have been launched on a range of crucial measures that could lead to an overhaul of Eastleigh's bus network - and it is good news for the area's bus travellers.

The wide-ranging discussions, between Solent Blue Line, Eastleigh Borough Council and Hampshire County Council, include possible "substantial" investment in new buses for Eastleigh.

Malcolm Venn, managing director of Solent Blue Line, is optimistic that the talks will improve public transport and encourage more people on to the buses.

He said: "Eastleigh is a lively, bustling town which deserves the best possible public transport system.

"We are engaged in talks which aim to bring a vibrant new bus network to local people.

"We are discussing with the local authorities levels of bus services, routes, frequencies and investment in new vehicles which could be substantial."

He added: "These crucial priority measures are designed to beat congestion and delays which of late have meant that our bus network has not provided the level of service we wish.

"We are the first to recognise this and we are hoping that major changes will bring about an improvement in the quality of service.

"It could be the most exciting new development since Solent introduced high-frequency minibuses in Eastleigh in 1988."

Mr Venn said bus services in Eastleigh and Chandler's Ford were a mix of commercial and local authority tendered services.

Local authority tenders are due for renewal in 2003 and it is hoped that if the new network wins support the crucial measures could be introduced from that date.