BUS service cuts affecting pensioners have been described as “disgusting” by Fareham Green Party.

The controversial changes, which will were rubber-stamped at a Hampshire County Council meeting, mean that pensioners will now only be able to use their bus passes after 9.30am from April next year.

Additionally there will be cuts in Fareham affecting four routes through the area, as well as other services across the county.

And members of Fareham Green Party have attacked the cuts, saying they are “economically and socially damaging”.

Green Party campaigner Miles Grindey said: “It is just disgusting - how is this democratic?

“We have spoken to many individuals across the borough who have lived there all their lives and they are appalled at this lack of transport across Fareham.

“Not everyone can afford a car. Many pensioners are still calling for a bus to Fareham Community Hospital and many young people are still calling for better bus services to Whiteley so they can get to work.”

The services affected include the F1 route from Fareham to Highlands shops, where the Sunday service will have its funding withdrawn, and the 11 from Fareham to Gosport and Alverstoke, which will have its Saturday funding cut.

Additionally the 21 from Fareham to Cheque Farm will no longer stop at Lee-on-the-Solent and will not run on Saturday evenings, while the 28 from Fareham to Warsash will be combined with the 26, meaning the Locks Heath to Warsash section will be withdrawn.

Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said that he is giving an exemption to older bus users in rural areas where there are no other buses until after 10.30am.

Mr Woodward said: “Bus use in Hampshire is nearing a 20-year high and with the budget pressures we face, now is the time to look at public transport subsidy and consider how we best make use of our funding in this area.”

“We asked residents what were the most important journeys for them and they told us daytime services on weekdays as this is how they travel to health appointments and to the shops, and so this is where we will focus our funding.”