BUS bosses have been praised by Christchurch council after a review of axed services led to some routes being restored.

The leader of Christchurch council, Cllr Ray Nottage, spoke out about the re-introduced routes covering Highcliffe and Christchurch at a recent full council meeting.

And he hinted at the possibility of Yellow Buses also starting a new service through the area.

His comments come after MoreBus made changes to their X1 and X2 timetables following cuts in their funding from Hampshire County Council.

But after meetings with passengers at public events, the bus company made further amendments to their proposed revised timetables.

The changes ensured Sunday journeys would be re-introduced during the summer season and X1 journeys on Sundays would leave Lymington at 9.40am, 11.40am, 1.50pm and 3.50pm and return from Bournemouth at 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.40pm and 5.40pm.

There would also be an extra route X1 bus from Lymington to Christ-church at 2.05pm during schooldays.

At a previous full council meeting in December, Highcliffe ward coun-cillor, John Lofts raised concerns about the cuts.

Cllr Nottage praised residents and councillors for their work and representations and thanked the bus company for listening.

And he said meetings had taken place with Yellow Buses to possibly introduce a new route.

He added: “I had meetings with Yellow Buses to explore the possibility of further improvements and these are under review.

“Discussions are also taking place at county level.”

Jenni Wilkinson, Yellow Buses’ head of marketing, said: “We are always keen to work closely with local authorities to improve bus access and provision where possible.”