Romsey couple feel 'isolated' by Stagecoach 66 route change

As previously reported, Stagecoach has re-routed the 66 bus between Winchester and Romsey, hoping to provide a more frequent service between the town and city.

However, a number of bus stops along the route have now been cut from that service, including Woodly Lane, Cupernham Lane and Richmond Lane.

Sally and Ian Whatmore, of Woodly Lane, said that they feel isolated by the change.

Sally and Ian Whatmore (Image: Sally and Ian Whitmore)

READ MORE: Letter: Concern how bus rerouting will impact those with mobility issues

The pair, in their 70s, have mobility issues, with Mr Whitmore telling the Advertiser that they are unable to walk the approximately 15-minute walk from their home to the nearest bus stops.

Mr Whitmore said: “The bus stop (on Woodly Lane) is right outside our house.

“We haven’t used a bus in the last few years. My wife is disabled, and I can normally take her around in a car - using a hoist and a buggy – but of late I have become almost disabled and can’t drive. And just as we need a bus, it’s not there.

“We’re also speaking out about this on behalf of many people who are being inconvenienced. Woodly Lane, there are lots of roads coming off it to estates and there’s quite a big catchment area living along and off Woodly Lane, which is predominantly housing the more elderly population.”

The 66 bus route has been increased (Image: Contributed)

Mr Whitemore continued: “Stagecoach has been able to increase the frequency of the buses on the 66 route. But in doing so they have chopped the one going up Woodly Lane, going along Winchester Road and Braishfield Road, so it means that the people around us are being put through a lot of inconvenience, or in our case, it is going to leave us almost isolated.

SEE ALSO: Hampshire woman accuses Stagecoach of 'pure laziness' over route changes

“We would like to see some of those services put back on the route they’ve had for years. At the moment, without a car, we can’t get to Romsey or Winchester.”

A Stagecoach spokesman said: “With all buses now calling at the busiest stops through the growing community of Abbotswood, there are less well-used stops to the east of Romsey which are no longer be used by Service 66, including along the Straight Mile.

“There will, unfortunately, be an impact on the small number of customers using these stops, but the vast majority of customers travelling by bus will see an improvement in the service we now provide.”