ANOTHER two communities are reeling from the news that vital transport links are due to be axed.

Southampton residents have reacted with anger and dismay after learning that Solent Blue Line is planning to merge two of the routes that serve the Thornhill and Bitterne areas.

The company has also upset Waterside residents by scrapping a service between Marchwood and Southampton city centre.

News of the latest cuts come as campaigners continue their fight to save three of the Red Rocket routes that serve Eastleigh and Winchester.

As reported in the Daily Echo, more than 600 people have signed a petition urging Solent Blue Line to keep the services.

A similar number have backed a petition launched by Thornhill Community Association, which wants the company to reconsider its decision to merge the Bluestar 18 and 19 services.

The Marchwood service axed by Solent Blue Line is Bluestar 7, which links the village with Rushington, Millbrook and Southampton city centre.

Solent Blue Line operations manager Alex Hornby said the Bluestar 7 buses were being axed because of poor demand.

Asked about the changes in Thornhill, Mr Hornby said much of the route taken by Bluestar 19 vehicles was also served by the Bluestar 3 bus.