STAGECOACH has announced that the 23 bus, which provides a service across Alton, including to the Wooteys and Manor Estates, will be extended.

From October 26 there will be an earlier start at 08.34 (currently 08.55) and a later finish at 17.52 (currently 14.52) which will enable residents to use the service for journeys home after work.

This is said to have been a commercial decision made by Stagecoach following lobbying from Alton Town Council and residents, as well as receiving support from county councillor Andrew Joy and the passenger transport team at Hampshire County Council.

This extension to the service will be provided at no cost to the public purse.

Mr Joy said: “Residents have stressed their need and desire for this service so it will be particularly important to make full use of it to ensure its continuation in the future.

“This improvement combined with the recent decision to continue the 65 service to Farnham and Guildford has demonstrated the effectiveness of co-ordinated public concern and opinion combined with a willingness by Stagecoach to re-assess provision of public transport.

“It is welcome news and reassuring that, even in challenging financial times, a well-reasoned case supported by public commitment can achieve success.”