CONCERNS over cuts to a ‘vital’ bus service through Highcliffe have been raised by councillors urging a review of the decision.

Morebus have cut their Sunday services on the X1 and X2 routes which run from Bournemouth to Lymington through Highcliffe and New Milton.

The service was reviewed as a result of ‘substantial cuts’ in the financial support given by Hampshire County Council.

Andrew Wickham, managing director of morebus said: “These are difficult times, both for us as bus operators and for the local authorities in which we serve.

“The cuts for supported services that are being introduced on January 4, 2015 are the largest we have ever experienced here.

“However, we have been working closely with Hampshire County Council and I am pleased to announce that we will continue operating both the X1 and X2 on a commercial basis.

“Having spoken to our customers, we understand just how important these routes are – and have looked carefully at usage across all journeys to ensure we can maintain a good level of service and protect jobs wherever possible.

“Our aim, throughout this exercise, has been to minimise the impact on passengers and staff across the region. I’m pleased that we have been able to replace most of the publicly funded journeys with commercial ones, which will continue despite the reduction in financial support from the council.”

But Highcliffe ward councillor, John Lofts, raised concerns about the new timetable at a meeting of the full council at Christchurch on Tuesday.

He asked leader, Cllr Ray Nottage, if he would make representations to Dorset County Council to resolve the situation.

“I understand Yellow Buses service terminates at Sainsbury’s. Perhaps the county council could financially support an extension of the service to the Cliff Top car park to provide a Sunday service for the some 14,000 residents in three wards,” he said.

Cllr Nottage said he would urge county councillors to engage with local resident associations and ask Hampshire County Council for a review of the decision to “bring a better conclusion for residents in Christchurch”.