BUS chiefs have announced changes to several routes covering Andover and the wider area in a bid to improve punctuality.

Stagecoach is altering some of its from Sunday, September 1, following a review of its network and to reflect the needs of schools and colleges.

The new timetable will mainly affect routes travelling to Basingstoke, Winchester and Salisbury.

On the Activ8 there will be minor timetable changes of a minute or two at all times, with bigger changes mainly before 9am and after 3pm on weekdays to “better reflect the time that it actually takes for buses to complete their journeys”.

Saturday early morning and evening times have also been changed.

Timetable changes will also be in place for the 85 and 86 services, with morning journeys mainly affected to suit the new times at Peter Symonds College.

And students travelling to Sparsholt College from Andover should now use service 851.

Following Wheelers decision to stop running the Wiltshire section of the 87 route Stagecoach has announced that it will operate off-peak journeys on Mondays to Saturdays between Lopcombe Corner and Salisbury via Winterslow, Pitton and Firs Road.

The operator has announced that times will be available shortly.

Intermediate time changes will also come into play on the 76 service to improve punctuality.

To view the new timetables, click here.