Campaign group call on council to reinstate bus 61 service

Back Our Buses has urged Hampshire County Council to restore the axed 61 service between Eastleigh and Winchester, using a share of nearly £25 million in new Government funding.

The funding is part of the new Local Authority Bus Grant (LABG), which gives councils flexibility to improve services by reducing fares, introducing new routes, investing in zero-emission buses or improving bus stops and stations.

Cllr Liam Bailey-Morgan, of Winchester City Council, said: "We are really pleased to have helped passionate bus users establish Back Our Buses and support local people in having their say.

"We remain concerned that LABG funding could be spent in ways that don’t reflect the real transport needs of our communities, and this group provides an important channel for those concerns to be heard."

Cllr Sue Cook said: “While this LABG funding is a lifeline, we share concerns that it could be used to further increase frequency on already well-served routes rather than restoring lost services and addressing unmet demand."

Members of the Back Our Buses campaign group (Image: Cllr Liam Bailey-Morgan)

After funding was granted, Hampshire County Council highlighted on their website that the money must be 'directed by local authorities towards specific service improvements and cannot be used to provide long-term subsidies for commercial bus routes.'

The group have said they are seeking clarification from the council as to where within the LABG guidance it states that revenue funding cannot be used to support new or existing bus routes, such as the former 61 service.

The group represents nearly 300 passengers along the former Eastleigh to Winchester route.

Zoe Marie Hall, a campaigner with the group, said: "We are reaching bus users across Winchester, Eastleigh and villages in between, like Colden Common Allbrook and Twyford.

"We’ve built a passionate community, and the more we grow our support, the greater our impact will be. We look forward to working with our parish councils, led by Colden Common, and our local councillors in ensuring Hampshire County Council directs funding where it’s needed most."

The group is also raising concerns about overcrowding at The Broadway in Winchester, and uncertainty over the city’s long-term bus station strategy.

In addition, it has highlighted recent changes to the 69 service, which now bypasses St Cross via the motorway, removing key stops and affecting older passengers.

The Chronicle have contacted Hampshire County Council for comment.

To find out more information on the campaign group, visit https://backourbuses.wixsite.com/backourbuses