RESIDENTS have spoke out about the inconvenience caused after Stagecoach announced that it would be scrapping a popular route.

Route 9, which runs from the town centre to Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, was only introduced by the operator in January.

However, they say that it, and the current route 8, will be replaced by an “improved” service 8.

Meanwhile, Sheila Rugman expressed her disappointment at the route being cut, saying she was “surprised”.

However, she admits that it is often quiet when she travels.

“It is quite empty when I travel,” she told the Gazette.

“It gets busy during the day but there are not many people on it during the day.”

She adds that it gets to the town centre quicker than the 8 currently does, adding it is “convenient”.

Meanwhile, other residents have also been complaining at Stagecoach’s other decisions, including re-routing the 76 between Andover and Basingstoke, so it no longer serves Worting Road between the West Ham roundabout and Top of Town.

Mr Bayliss said in a letter to the Gazette: “Stagecoach seem intent to continue to disrupt the travelling plans of the travelling public.

“A little more thought by the managers that make these decisions would be appreciated, along with some actual communication to gain some idea from passengers on the effects of their badly thought changes.”

A spokesperson for Stagecoach South commented last week: “We can confirm that we’ll be making some changes to our Hatch Warren and Kempshott Park services in line with demand.

“The improved service 8 will replace the current 8 and 9 services. It increases the frequency of the service to and from the town centre to 12 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes off peak, while also providing additional late evening buses on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. All areas will continue to be served.”