A RURAL bus service which is currently under threat could still be saved thanks to the efforts of a Test Valley Councillor.

The number 46 bus that runs between North Baddesley and Winchester is currently under threat as a result of proposed cuts to transport and environmental services by Hampshire County Council in order to save £140 million.

Baddesley councillor Alan Dowden has had meetings with several parish councils in the hopes of raising the£40,000 needed by provider Stagecoach to be able to keep the service running.

So far North Baddesley and Valley Park Parish councils have each agreed to help fund the service by increasing their council tax precepts by £3,000.

Duncan Murray, clerk for Chandlers Ford Borough Council said that the council would be taking the proposals through to committee and full council when they had all the relevant information before making a decision on whether to back Cllr Dowden's plan.

Councillor Dowden said: "If you cut bus services, it effects young and old people, as well as people trying to get to work. If there's no buses it means more people will have to drive which increases traffic and pollution, and we all know how bad Winchester can be already. At the end of the day its all about give and take. If the service had to reduce the number of trips that would be better than nothing. I would at least like people to be able to get to work, get home and a couple trips in between."

A spokesperson from Stagecoach who operate the bus service on behalf of Hampshire County Council said: " we are aware that they have decided to make cuts to the bus subsidy budget in the future.”

we approached Hampshire County Council for comment but they have not responded at time of going press.