A BUS company has said that driver and vehicle shortages has seen it scrap services in Winchester today.

Stagecoach South put out the news via its Twitter page on May 19.

It said: "Winchester due to staff and vehicle shortages there will be some cancellations in and around Winchester. Sorry for any inconvenience caused."

Several services were affected.

One bus driver, who did not want to be named, said: "The shortages are not just in Winchester, or just Stagecoach, it is a nationwide problem. There simply isn't enough bus drivers."

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Passengers said they felt let down by the delays and cancellations.

John Nixon, who lives in Teg Down, catches the bus with his bus pass, however his partner pays.

The 68-year-old said: "We are lucky to have a bus every hour but they are often late. I am pleased there is a bus service though, if it was cheaper and more reliable then we would be happier."

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Another passenger left waiting for his bus was Mohammed Siddiqui, who moved to Kings Worthy nine months ago from Afghanistan.

He said: "The bus is often late, but I don't think it is like this elsewhere. The price is also high. We catch the bus twice a week and it is £4.60 return.

"If we are paying that much then we expect a service."

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The shortages led to cancellations on the 64 Alton service, as well as on the ACTIV 8 service from Andover bus station towards Ludgershall and Tidworth Connolly Way and the Star 1 service to Picket Piece.

Staff shortages were also affecting Stagecoach South services in Guildford, Aldershot, Farnham and Midhurst.

A Stagecoach spokesperson said: "Like many industries we're still suffering from challenges overhanging from the pandemic and unfortunately sometimes this means cancelling services, this remains a last resort and kept to a minimum.

"Customers can keep up to date with service information via our twitter. We are continuing to actively recruit new drivers to address the on going situation."

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