Hampshire County Council is to spend around £400k on “educating” people how to use buses – amid plans to curtail funding to a host of services around Petersfield that could leave villagers stranded.

The funding is part of a £7.16m grant awarded to HCC by the government last May to improve services, passenger facilities and promotion.

The campaign will include short videos on “how to use the bus” and training for those who are uncomfortable using public transport, while £4.2m will go towards improving 15 routes between places largely served by rail connections.

Meanwhile, in places like East Meon and Buriton, bus users are facing the possibility of having no service amid HCC plans to stop £800k in subsidies for the likes of the 38, 91 and 67.

Plans to withdraw £900k in funding for Dial-a-Ride, Call-to-go and taxi-shares have also been tabled as part of a bid to save £132m across 13 services.

Susan Davenport, East Meon Parish Council chairman, has urged anyone who hasn’t completed the Future Services Consultation to have their say through www.hants.gov.uk before this Sunday.

She said: “If you think that you or someone you know is going to suffer and be disadvantaged if the 67 is axed then please tell the county council.”

Buriton Parish Council also oppose more cuts as reductions to the 94 route to Petersfield have left longer waiting times.

“We object to the further cutting of services because it would leave rural people even more isolated and stranded,” said BPC chairman, Tom Wheeler.

And while they appreciate HCC’s difficult position, that’s a view also shared by EHDC as they fear the cutbacks will have a serious impact on East Hampshire because of its rural nature.

They said: “Further isolating those without access to a car will increase loneliness and ultimately lead to poorer mental health.”