A Southampton City Council councillor has issued a heartfelt tribute to a man who was "instrumental" in establishing bus operations in the city.

Bluestar announced on Sunday that Andrew Wickham MBE, managing director at parent company Go South Coast, had died.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, has now reflected on how Andrew had helped improve the infrastructure in Southampton.

READ MORE: Go South Coast managing director Andrew Wickham MBE dies

Cllr Keogh offered condolences on behalf of the council.

He said: "Andrew was instrumental in making the Bluestar bus operation in Southampton one of the most successful in England and without his passion, vision, and expertise we would not have the excellent bus network, nor the platform to build further enhancements on, that we all enjoy today. 

"In 2022, when First announced their intention to cease operations in Southampton, it was Andrew who promised to pick up all the routes and continue operating their current timetables at great personal risk to his reputation and ability to deliver.

"I will not forget the pride Andrew felt in showing me around the new staff facilities that were opened in the city centre. 

"Andrew knew that nothing could be delivered alone, and that success depended on a team effort. Andrew was a truly nice man who has given an enormous amount to Southampton.”