BUS users around East Hampshire have been urged to have their say on a plan which could result in services being cut back or cancelled altogether.

The 94 service from Petersfield to Buriton is one of several around the district which could be affected as Hampshire County Council (HCC) wants to reduce the amount it spends on subsidising public transport.

It has launched a consultation with feedback being sought on five options and the possible introduction of charges for users who have an Older People’s Concessionary Bus Pass.

They include changing the daily or weekly frequency of services or making alterations based on journey data, costs and feedback.

Other options include replacing some supported services with alternative forms of community transport, reducing funding to organisations which provide, promote or support transport services, or reducing the use of printed material.

Services from Petersfield to Bishop’s Waltham (X17), Alton (38), Froxfield (71), Winchester (67) and Buriton (94) are among the dozen East Hampshire routes subsidised by HCC.

Consultation data shows the council spends around £378,000 on subsidising the routes, with the 67 receiving the most cash (£196,200) and passenger numbers (62,911). By comparison, just 1,495 journeys were made on the Froxfield to Petersfield route while its subsidy was £5,575.

The prospect of a reduced service has concerned people in Buriton as nearly 22,000 journeys are made on the 94 annually.

Sylvia Hayward uses the service three times a week and has urged other villagers to take part in the survey, as has the parish council.

“It’s a lifeline for Buriton,” said the 74-year-old.

“Without the 94, we would have to walk out to the crossroads on the main road to catch the 38 but there’s no pathway so that’s very dangerous, especially if you’ve got shopping.”

“There’s quite a few people here who use it,” said frequent 94 passenger and former Buriton village hall manager Barry Wilson.

“The youth club has closed, the rugby club has gone, the football club and cricket club have closed and now the nursery is going and they’re threatening to cull the local bus route. There will be nothing left soon and that’s very sad.”

More than 2,000 people have responded to the consultation, with August 5 being the closing date for comments.

“I would urge anyone who currently uses a subsidised bus route to let us know how they use it so we can make informed decisions,” said HCC Executive Member for Environment and Transport Rob Humby.

Copies of the consultation package are available in Petersfield Library in The Square or visit the ‘have your say’ section at www.hants.gov.uk