IT HAS been some six weeks since the new Stagecoach timetable for buses between Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester came into play.

As a resident of Whitchurch who uses buses to all three destinations, can I say how much better I think the services are now.

The half-hourly service to Andover is a great improvement.

The loss of some of the ill-used afternoon buses to Winchester seems to be no great loss and I never saw anyone board a bus on London Street or Newbury Hill (except the White Hart stop, now replaced by the one just across the road outside the Co-op).

The change of routes has removed the dangerous and slow use of London Street by the 76 and reduced the dangers of the Basingstokebound 86. A big plus is that that the timings are now much improved.

A local campaign against the changes seems to have been made by those not impacted by changes, as those bus users I have spoken to agree on the improvements.

Particularly advantaged are those with concessionary travel passes who can now travel earlier each morning to Andover (about 45 minutes) and Basingstoke (about 15 minutes).

Can I also say how friendly and helpful all the Stagecoach bus drivers are.

Phil Cooper, Charlcot, Whitchurch