Lib Dem MPs protest against Tory bus cuts

10.20.57am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Nov 2005

"Many people who voted Conservative and whose bus services have now been cut are outraged" said Chris Huhne

Local Liberal Democrat MPs Sandra Gidley and Chris Huhne joined forces this week to protest against cuts in bus services ordered by the Conservative-controlled Hampshire county council.

"These are the biggest package of cuts in Hampshire's history despite a pre-election budget that pledged that there would be no cuts in services" said Chris Huhne, Eastleigh's MP.

Romsey MP Sandra Gidley, Chris Huhne and local campaigners Pam Holden-Brown and Grahame Smith are pictured here at one of the bus stops on the Winchester Road where the 44A evening service between Eastleigh and Chandler's Ford has been withdrawn.

"Some 120,000 bus passenger journeys on 26 routes across the County have now been axed despite protests from Lib Dem councillors, bus users and local organisations" said Ms Gidley. "These cuts will force more people onto the roads in their cars and worsen local congestion".

"Breaking a budget promise within just six months is a new low in Hampshire politics" said Chris Huhne. "Many people who voted Conservative and whose bus services have now been cut are outraged".