A VILLAGE bus has been causing problems in Overton because it rarely turns up at the correct time, according to councillors.

Overton parish councillor Brian Langer said the arrival time of the number 74 had gone “haywire”, adding: “It makes the thing so unreliable that people lose faith in it and then stop using it.”

Cllr Lucy Sloane Williams said her elderly friend had gone to catch the 9.10pm bus, arrived at the bus stop at 8.50pm and waited until 9.30pm before giving up hope of it ever arriving.

She added: “She came back, had a bath and stayed over-night. She was freezing. It was unforgiveable. She was shaking she was so cold. I don’t have confidence in the service.”

Councillor Seán Woodward, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “The number 74 bus in Overton is funded by Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, and run by Basingstoke Community Transport.

“No complaints about the service have been received by either HCC or Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council at this time.

“The bus runs three days a week – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

“The timetable has operated for several years and the timetable was developed in consultation with users and the local parish transport representative.”

Cllr Woodward added: “Passenger figures remain consistent at an average of 630 passenger trips per month.”