THE strength of public feeling has led to Poole Council retaining threatened subsidised bus services.

Borough of Poole was seeking to save a further £150,000 by withdrawing its subsidy to 11 non-commercially viable services including some school, evening and weekend services.

But after 12 weeks public consultation during which 6,300 people’s views were taken into account, and discussions between the bus operators and the council’s route and branch working group, it has decided to retain all of the services.

However this will only save the council a further £39,200 from its £750,000 bus subsidy pot.

The last round of cuts which came into force in May last year saved just under £100,000 through reduced contract prices, combining and reducing services.

“I would like to thank everyone who took time to give the council their views about bus services,” said Cllr Ian Potter, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation.

“We have listened to people’s views and after careful consideration it has been decided to reduce the level of savings and protect the bus services.”

There will be a change to the Yellow Bus route 20 service from April 27 when it will no longer serve Compton Avenue and Lilliput but will operate via Alton Road and Broadwater Avenue to Pottery Road.

This removes the duplication with the Morebus 52 service.

Morebus has agreed to retain the winter timetables on its 50 and 52 routes without council subsidy. And from April 1 fares on the Route ONE bus service will increase from 80p to £1 for a single journey and from £1.50 to £1.80 for a day ticket.

Cllr Tony Trent, chairman of the working group said: “The consultation highlighted the number of people who rely on buses to get to work, education, attend medical appointments and to do their daily shopping.

“It is clear that bus services form an essential part of everyday lives for many of our residents.”