FOR more than a century the 'man on the Clapham omnibus' has been the gauge of reasonable common sense in the English courts.

So who better to ask for their views on what the key issues are in the upcoming General Election, albeit with the action relocated to a sunny afternoon bus ride between Bournemouth Square and Southbourne.

And, in these enlightened times, we also sought the views of female passengers.

All human life is there, and with it a wide range of opinions. As might be expected Brexit came up more than once, though usually marinading in a little frustration.

Springbourne resident Sandra Peterson, 69, was eager to hear our prospective representatives "shut up about Brexit".

"I think they should be concentrating on welfare, on education and the health service," she said.

"Theresa May said she was speaking for all of the people about Brexit when she was not even elected Prime Minister, don't keep harping on about it.

"They should be speaking for the poor and disadvantaged."

Unsatisfied with what is currently on offer, she said she will spoil her ballot.

Valerie Talkington, from Christchurch, was more sympathetic towards the PM, elected or not.

"Europe is going to be so tricky about everything and Theresa May seems the only one with any sense about her at the moment," she said.

"But we have had all this doom and gloom recently, we have got to think positively about it."

Boscombe resident Michael Taylor said he would probably be voting Tory, although he might consider Labour were it not for the embattled leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

"I don't like the bloke," said Mr Taylor, 71, whose chief priority is ensuring he keeps his pension.

"I think Labour have some good points but I don't like Corbyn's views. He wants to cut the armed forces and we have got to have protection."

Gillian Cartwright, from Southbourne, said she feared the Conservatives' proposed Bill of Rights would be a poor replacement for the Human Rights Act.

"We have got Brexit but I think we can still be part of the Human Rights Act, we should be answerable to somebody," she said.

"I don't think people realise the implications if we lose it."

The 54-year-old said she plans to back the Liberal Democrats based on their commitment to civil rights.

Andrew Tottingham questioned the point of having an election.

"It is a waste of money, the Conservatives are going to win," he said.

The town centre resident, aged 54, voted for Brexit and would vote Tory, he said, but is now having second thoughts and might back a party offering a second referendum.

Peter Hall, 65, from Westbourne, said he would be backing UKIP.

"I don't quite trust Theresa May after her record as Home Secretary, and she was a Remainer," he said. "If they can find a way to mess Brexit up they will."

A Springbourne resident, who wished to remain anonymous, was switching his allegiance from UKIP to the Tories.

"I voted UKIP in the past but it seems to be floundering at the moment," he said.

"I was always stalwart Labour but times change and your feelings change. I think the country is overcrowded."

However, Dennes Lendner, 37, who works for the pharmaceuticals industry in Munich, was less positive about Brexit.

"The financial industry is so important to the economy, if Britain leaves the EU you will have to build new industries," he said.

"If I could vote here I would vote to stay in the EU."