Knightwood campaigner urges Hampshire's new council to revisit local bus service cuts
A local campaigner has called on Hampshire's newly elected council to reconsider the withdrawal of subsidised bus routes affecting Valley Park and Knightwood residents.
New political landscape offers fresh hope for transport restoration
Following significant changes at Hampshire County Hall after May's elections, local campaigners are hopeful that controversial bus service cuts could be revisited. The county council is now under no overall control, with Conservatives holding 27 seats, Liberal Democrats 26, and Reform UK 20, alongside Labour, independents and resident groups.
Susan Dorsett, representing the Knightwood and Valley Park Campaigners and Hampshire Bus Action Group, has seized on the opportunity to press for change. Several senior Conservatives associated with the previous transport policies have lost their seats, including former cabinet member for highways and passenger transport Lulu Bowerman, who held executive responsibility for public transport during the funding cuts.
Years of cuts culminate in service withdrawal
The campaign addresses years of cumulative transport reductions that culminated in the withdrawal of the Stagecoach 46 route between Valley Park and Knightwood to Winchester last August. This decision left many residents increasingly isolated, particularly elderly and disabled people without direct access to hospitals, shopping areas and rail links.
Ahead of the election, Dorsett wrote an open letter to candidates from all parties, warning that the area was becoming increasingly deprived of public services. "Buses are not just transport – they are vital community lifelines," she wrote in the letter. "Our area is among the most deprived in Hampshire for public services. Many residents cannot access GPs or hospitals."
Limited replacement service falls short
A limited replacement minibus service began operating earlier this year, linking Valley Park and Knightwood estates with Chandler's Ford, Hiltingbury, Velmore and Eastleigh. However, Dorsett emphasises that this service remains insufficient, as it does not provide evening or weekend travel or direct hospital connections.
Additionally, bus stop signage, flags and timetable holders have been removed, though Dorsett is working to have them reinstated.
Broader calls for transport reform
Beyond restoring the 46 service, Dorsett's campaign has raised wider transport accessibility issues. The letter called for disabled bus passes to be valid 24 hours a day, noting that current restrictions limit employment opportunities and independence for disabled residents.
Dorsett also highlighted that poor transport links affect younger residents as well as older people, restricting access to education, jobs and social opportunities. "We need an integrated, accessible transport system for all – not just profitable urban routes," she wrote.
With the political shake-up at County Hall, campaigners are optimistic that socially necessary routes could become a renewed priority for Hampshire County Council's decision-makers.
Source: Knightwood campaigner urges Hampshire's new council to revisit local bus service cuts