A bus company has responded after a pensioner was forced to crawl on his hands and knees to get home following a route change.

Bluestar was accused of tipping the 82-year-old's "world upside down" after rerouting the number 15 service away from Ingleside and Woolston Road.

More than 50 residents gathered at an emergency meeting last week with Eastleigh Borough Council leader Keith House and Hamble Valley MP Paul Homes to call on the bus company to reverse their change.

Now, Bluestar's general manager Richard Tyldsley has defended the change to the route.

More than 50 residents of Hound, Hamble and Netley made their way to Hound Parish Hall for the meeting.More than 50 residents of Hound, Hamble and Netley made their way to Hound Parish Hall for the meeting. (Image: NQ) He said: “We are continuing to operate Bluestar 15 - it now features an improved timetable, increased frequency on Saturdays, new connections to central station, and faster journeys.  

“We do appreciate the inconvenience the change of route in Butlocks Heath may have on some customers. 

"Bluestar 15 still operates locally though, with existing and new bus stops being located within a short distance.

“For a small number of our customers there is a longer walk, following the omission of Ingleside and Woolston Road, but we have looked very closely at this and made the decision in order to improve the overall route."

READ MORE: Residents fight to save bus route after pensioner forced to crawl home

Richard continued: ”Bluestar 15 was introduced around 18 months ago, when the previous operator cancelled its routes because they were not sustainable. 

"We immediately announced the launch of an extension of our network in Southampton, including Bluestar 15. 

“Since then, we have been closely reviewing customer demand, as well as overall performance of the route. 

“Our review of Bluestar 15 led us to conclude that journey times were too slow, and punctuality was not as good as we expect. 

“Bluestar 15 previously operated a spur up from Hound Way almost back to where the bus already passed Grange Road. Because it was so close, we decided to omit this spur and to introduce new bus stops nearby.

“We strongly believe that these improvements will develop demand for the route - directly ensuring that we are able to continue operating it well into the future.”

Another resident, Doreen Salter, 88, said the change means "we are completely cut off", calling it a "tragedy for us older people".