Extension to the Number 17 Bluestar bus route in Southampton

The members were joined by representatives from the local community to celebrate the bus operator’s 17 route extension.

Bluestar managing director, Andrew Wickham, said: "We have introduced these changes following feedback from our customers.

"Ordnance Survey is one of the area’s largest employers - and it seems only right that commuters to its head office in Adanac Park should have easy access to public transport.

"This is an important investment from Bluestar, but we are expecting the service to be well-used.

"The hope is that more people will choose to leave their cars at home - easing congestion and helping improve air quality within the city."

The Bluestar 17 service now extends beyond Lower Brownhill to take in Adanac Park - making it easier for passengers wishing to commute to-and-from work at Ordnance Survey.

In the other direction, the route reaches beyond the city centre to Woolston and Weston.

Ordnance Survey’s HR director, Hazel Hendley, added: “We welcome the news that the new number 17 Bluestar bus route now serves Adanac Park.

“As an organisation we encourage our employees to take alternatives to the car when journeying to and from work.

"We run a successful lift share scheme and have excellent facilities available for people to cycle to and from Ordnance Survey headquarters.

“The addition of the number 17 Bluestar bus service strengthens the sustainable travel options available to us.”

The change in route did, however, come with criticism from some local residents.

Residents of retirement block Sarnia Court in Lordshill protested the change in route as they suggested it would be taking away a "lifeline" to many.

The new route will miss the bus stop next to Sarnia Court and the new closest stop will be a 15-minute walk away.

Phil Paine, 72, a Sarnia Court resident, said: “The majority of people in here are disabled or have difficulties with mobility.

“The whole Court are in agreement for this to be stopped.”