The council has stepped in at the last minute to reprieve the Bitterne Shoppa Hoppa bus service for the next three months. The service offers a lifeline to many older residents, and there are worries that they could become completely isolated if the service is axed.

Working with bus company First the council has agreed to fund the Bitterne bus service for the next three months, while promoting a ‘use it or lose it’ message to local residents.

The Bitterne Hoppa runs three different routes, each hourly. The council will be supporting journeys up until lunchtime.

The council will monitor the usage of Shoppa Hoppa service for the next three months to see if there is enough of a demand to keep the service running.

Marc Reddy, Deputy Managing Director for First in Hampshire and Dorset said: “I am delighted, that with the financial support of Southampton City Council, we are able to continue to operate the Bitterne Shoppa Hoppa service. This is excellent news for the residents of Bitterne. It is now vital to see increased use of this service in order to secure its continuation after the three-month period.”