CHANGES to bus routes around Basingstoke and Deane have been met with mixed feelings by users.

Bus provider Stagecoach announced a number of routes into the town will be changed from yesterday, with a new route being introduced for residents in Kempshott and Hatch Warren.

The new direct No. 9 route from Kempshott and Hatch Warren will run straight along Winchester Road and Ringway West to the town centre.

There will also be revision to the No. 8 service, running every 10 minutes into town and the Hatch Warren’s Sainsburys store.

The No. 2 route from Basingstoke to Tadley via Basingstoke hospital has had its Sunday frequency increased from every half-hour to every 20 minutes, while the No. 3 service will now stop opposite Basingstoke railway station to give a faster journey with a bus every 12 minutes.

The No. 5 bus to West Popley will run every 20 minutes during off-peak periods but will remain every 12 minutes during peak times and the No. 7 service to Chineham will now run every 20 minutes off-peak.

However, these changes have not been fully welcomed by bus users.

On the Gazette’s Facebook page, Jason Wolfie Evans said: “A bus every 12 mins to South Ham is ridiculous. I’m halfway to town by walking in 12 mins. Oakley gets one bus an hour - that’s including the school one that’s always full up because it’s gone via Cranbourne.”

Chris Ford added: “Changes to the 12 which mean my wife will no longer be able to use your services for work in the mornings but will add to taxi firms profits and mean an extra car on the road on days I can take her.”

For more information, go to stagecoachbus.com.