On Monday, the number 3B bus service - funded by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council - was withdrawn.

This is despite my colleagues and I objections as South Ham/Berg Estate Ward Councillors.

This will determine that our Berg Estate constituents will no longer have a bus service.

This will leave elderly, the disabled, the less fit, and those who want to leave the car at home without a bus service.

The Hampshire County Council (HCC) funded no 4 is being rerouted to take in some of the 3B’s route. However, the number 4 will only travel down Brackley Way missing out the rest of the Berg Estate and only on an hourly basis.

Residents should also be aware that the number 4 will no longer travel down Paddock Road, or the Worting Road missing out the popular short route to Morrisons, the Essex Road Doctor's Surgery, Cemetery, and town.

The rerouted number 4 bus will now travel to town via the Winchester Road.

By cutting the funding for both bus services, the Conservative-controlled borough council and county council has demonstrated a lack of interest in bus services, and the requirements of my constituents.

It is ironic, then, that both authorities have declared a 'climate emergency' - yet have scarped a bus service further increasing car usage.

We will as South Ham/Berg Estate Labour councillors campaign to restore a half-hourly 3B bus service for the Berg Estate.

This in turn would ensure that number 4 can return to its original Worting Road route.

Cllr Colin Regan, South Ham/Berg Estate Ward