PART of an axed Southampton bus route has been saved.

As reported in the Daily Echo, First Bus scrapped service 5 between Bassett Green and Sholing as part of a major shake up of its routes which also saw the 1, 9 and 13 routes have their Sunday service cut.

But now First competitor Bluestar have stepped in and their new Bluestar 7 service will run between the city centre, Woolston and Sholing – taking the place of the former First service.

It will operate every half an hour and journey time from Sholing to Southampton city centre will be 25 minutes.

The removal of service 5 by First was criticised by Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead who said it would have ‘ramifications across the city.’

The introduction of the Bluestar 7 comes as the company will introduce what bosses say are a number of ‘service enhancements’ to improve their services – these are set to be introduced from September 6.

Managing Director of Bluestar, Andrew Wickham, said: “We’ve listened very carefully to the views of local people about their requirements for travelling across Southampton.

"And our response is to enhance our services wherever possible. In this case, we have been working closely with Southampton City Council to preserve services for customers living in or wishing to travel between Sholing, Woolston and the city centre – particularly since another operator decided to cease operations in part of this area.”

“From Sunday, September 6 we will introduce a number of service enhancements – and the brand new Bluestar 7 is a important part of that. Our team is making incredible efforts to swiftly step in, ensuring uninterrupted services for passengers here.”

Cabinet member for environment and transport Jacqui Rayment praised Bluestar for stepping in.

Cllr Rayment said: “This is an excellent example of a bus operator understanding the needs of local people and stepping in to ensure linked-up services will continue in Southampton.

"It is important that everyone living within the city has access to convenient bus travel - and I am pleased that Bluestar has taken the initiative here, with its new number 7 route.”

While Southampton City Council leader and councillor for Bitterne Ward, Simon Letts believes the 7 service will be vital for residents in that part of the city.

Cllr Letts, said: “I am delighted that Bluestar have stepped into the breach following the unfortunate decision by First to withdraw the number five.

"It is essential that residents of Sholing have a service that links them to Woolston and the City Centre, so it’s excellent news that Bluestar will offer this.”