A THREAT to a centuries old Hampshire ferry link has been lifted after county bosses stepped back from axing a vital subsidy.

But under public transport cost cutting plans, Sunday and evening bus services could vanish in many places and pensioners’ bus passes rendered useless before 9.30am in a bid to save £1.5m.

The historic Hythe ferry across Southampton Water, used by more than 300,000 people a year, was set to lose its £55,000 annual handout which helps keep the service’s head above water.

However county chiefs have carried out a u-turn.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment at Hampshire County Council, said: ‘We’ve looked at funding for both the Hythe and Hayling ferries and the cost per passenger is, at present, very good value for money so we are not proposing any changes at the moment.”

The news has been welcomed by passengers.

Ted Vaughan, chairman of Hythe Ferry Users’ Group, said: “We have a chance to sail another day.

“I think it is crucial the service is continues and I am pleased they can afford to keep it in place. Waterside would have lost direct access to Southampton city centre full stop.”

But transport chiefs are pressing ahead with cuts which campaigners already fear will leave vulnerable people cut off.

Under plans some Sunday or evening services will have funding drastically reduced – or cut altogether – while the 9am early start for elderly people’s bus passes will be ditched.

And community transport schemes such as Dial a Ride, Call and Go and Taxishare may not be spared.

Cllr Sean Woodward will make his final decision on Monday, October 27 after the plans receive scrutiny at the economy, transport and environment select committee on Thursday, October 23.

It comes after a two month long consultation process which involved 200 organisations and 3,200 people.

An official report said those responding favoured “retaining the current days of service where possible, even if frequency is reduced”.

Use of buses rather than taxi-shares was also preferred.

But Cllr Woodward said with government grants shrinking the public purse had to be considered.

He said: “With £1 in every £3 of our total roads and transport revenue budget going into subsidising public and community transport, it is essential we look carefully at how we can use the money we have fairly for all Hampshire’s residents.

“We’ve undertaken this review and extensive consultation to make sure we can use what resources we have to best match people’s priorities at a time when public finances are under particular pressure.”

Click here and then appendix one for full list of changes.