MAJOR changes to Swindon's bus services have been branded a disgrace.

From tomorrow, sweeping changes come into force to a number of Thamesdown bus routes in and around Swindon.

Although some areas will get improved services, residents in Penhill say they are being short-changed.

Marilyn Beale, 63, of Avebury Road, Penhill, said: "It's not good enough when they are supposed to be making transport better rather than worse.

"I have heard all the excuses but there is no excuse in this day and age for cutting services."

The changes are the most substantial alterations to Thamesdown's services for five years.

Company bosses say they are needed to cut bus delays across the town and to serve growing populations in new housing areas such as North Swindon.

"We carried out an extensive consultation exercise with our passengers last summer," said Thamesdown managing director, Paul Jenkins.

"We have taken our time to consider these comments and they have helped us shape the new bus network."

The changes will include a new number bus service for HaydonEnd every 15 minutes, a new bus service, number 24, for Ash Brake every 30 minutes and improved bus services, numbers 1 and 1A, for Covingham and Nythe which will now be every 10 minutes.

There is also an improved bus service, the number 18, for Redhouse, Oakhurst and Taw Hill which runs every 20 minutes and a more frequent service for Blunsdon, the number 24, which runs every 30 minutes.

But included in the changes is a reduction of services to Penhill.

The number 10, which serves the lower part of the area, will be cut from a half -hourly to an hourly service and the length of the route has also been cut.

Marilyn said those trying to get to work, and the 300 families living in lower Penhill, would lose out.

She said: "People have got jobs on the back of that half-hourly service. Now they'll have to pick and choose.

"Young mums and older people could have to climb a steep hill because we will still get a good bus service round the top."

Marilyn is also annoyed by the need to change buses in the town centre to get anywhere, other than Park South, which will add to passengers' costs.

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