PARENTS are campaigning against the scrapping of a school bus service.

The number 659 takes children from Hatch Warren via Brighton Hill to Bishop Challoner Catholic Secondary School in South Ham, and collects them at the end of the day. However, the school has been told by bus company Stagecoach that the service will stop next week.

Parents have been told their children should catch a bus into town and another out to South Ham.

Sally Hewish, of Heritage Park, Hatch Warren, paid £240 in September for two of her three children, aged 12 and 15, to use the 659.

An auditor, who works in London, she said: “I am not happy with the idea of my young daughter being left to fend for herself in the town, with me not knowing if she has successfully made the connection.”

Teodolinda De Lellis, a parent from Mayfield Ridge, Hatch Warren, also relies on the bus to take two of her children to school on time. She said: “There’s no parking at the school and the headteacher encourages people to use public transport.”

Tony Corish, headteacher at Bishop Challoner in St Michael’s Road, said the school had been told of the change at short notice. He said: “I have written to Stagecoach requesting a meeting to discuss alternatives and put suggestions to them. I have suggested parents write to them as well. We are looking to campaign on this.

“At the very least I think Stagecoach should suspend their decision and consult.”

Andrew Dyer, managing director for Stagecoach, told The Gazette that the route was not carrying enough passengers for it to be viable.

He added: “We do realise the impact it has but sadly the tough financial conditions mean we can’t afford to keep it going.”

Councillor Mel Kendal, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said the distances involved meant the route did not qualify for any subsidy.