A BUS service from Bournemouth to Lymington is under threat due to council cuts – with jobs also under review.

Bus firm morebus have confirmed they are reviewing their X1 and X2 services due to ‘substantial cuts’ to the bus service support from Hampshire County Council.

And although they will continue to operate both routes, the level of service is likely to be affected, morebus have warned.

The X1 and X2 routes cover from Bournemouth to Christchurch, Mudeford, Highcliffe, New Milton, Hordle, Milford on Sea and Lymington.

Concerned bus users have urged the company not to abandon the routes, saying they are a lifeline for people who do not have other forms of transport.

Gary Rose, Lymington and Ringwood operations manager for morebus, said: “Prompted by the current financial climate, Hampshire County Council has had to make substantial cuts to bus service support – and this will inevitably lead to some service reductions.

“From 4 January 2015, the council is removing the vast majority of funding for these routes.”

Mr Rose said details will be on the website shortly.

He added: “The cuts being introduced by the council for their supported services are the largest we have experienced – and will also result in a reduction in jobs at our depot in Lymington.

“We are working hard, in partnership with Hampshire County Council, to produce new timetables – and are looking carefully at usage across all journeys to ensure we are able to maintain a good level of service and to protect jobs wherever possible. The funding reductions are prompting us to make further changes in the New Forest area. These are some of the largest revisions for 20 years – and we are working closely with the council to try and minimise the impact on passengers and staff in the region.”

Pensioners ‘isolated’

BUS user Ena Webber from Christchurch said the lack of service could leave pensioners isolated.

“People of my age can’t afford taxis regularly so we do risk becoming isolated if the buses get cut.

“I think a lot of people would be prepared to pay slightly more for a better service.

She added: “As it is we only have the X1 four times each way on Sundays and Bank Holidays.”