BUS passengers are calling for changes to be made to bus services from Yate when Southmead Hospital is rebuilt.

Residents in Cranleigh Court Road say more services will be needed when the new ‘super’ hospital opens in 2013.

Colin Burgess, who said he represented a number of people living in the area, told a meeting of South Gloucestershire Council’s planning, transport and environment select committee: "I am concerned about the provision to maintain a continuous public service at convenient times to the residents of Yate, and particularly people in Cranleigh Court Road, to Frenchay and Southmead hospitals.

"I think the issue of Southmead is going to raise its head when we make the change from Frenchay to Southmead."

Cranleigh Court Road was left without a First bus service when major cuts were made by the company last year. It is now served by an hourly Wessex Connect bus, the 482, into Bristol.

Simon Cursio, commercial director at First Bus, said: "There would be little point operating a service that is not financially viable and would make other areas unsustainable.

"When we are looking at route developments and how they are structured in the future we will always strive to meet the needs of the customers for the long-term but it has to be sustainable.

"We will work with the hospitals and the council to make sure our network meets demand."

Cllr Brian Allinson, the council’s executive member for transport, said: "There are no changes planned for the immediate future but if there is a problem it will be brought to our attention and we will do whatever we can, using community transport scheme, to provide a service.

"We are very conscious that Yate is somewhat isolated from more suburban areas of Bristol and that any changes in service impact very greatly."