A MEETING to resolve whether a village’s bus service could continue was cancelled after too many residents turned out.

The parish rooms in the Square, Titchfield, was the venue for a meeting of residents, councillors and First bus company representatives to discuss options amid the company’s claims that buses are being damaged as they try to negotiate parked cars in South Street.

But the venue, which is designed to hold 70 to 80 people was overwhelmed after 150 people turned out, with people overflowing out the door.

Organisers removed seating and were able to fit everyone in standing while other venues like the church were considered. But in the end it was decided to postpone the meeting to a later date in a few weeks’ time at the Titchfield Community Centre.

Cllr Sean Woodward said the reason the parish rooms were chosen was that the community centre was unavailable for several weeks and he had not wanted to delay discussions.

He added that residents would be kept informed of the new date.

As previously reported, First bus operator has claimed its buses are being damaged due to parked cars on a road in Titchfield, leaving them with too little space to manoeuvre.

It has called on the council to take action and restrict parking on South Street or it may consider pulling out of the village altogether.

First claims the problem has led to £100,000 of damage to its buses or to people’s cars damaged by buses in two years.

Businesses fear restricted parking, such as yellow lines, outside their premises could affect their trade.

Cllr Woodward has suggested one compromise could be changing parking in The Square to one hour rather than all day to free up parking spaces there.