Bus service running since 1980s withdrawn

Regular passengers discovered laminated signs on the bus stops saying the service has been discontinued

A bus route that has been running since the 1980s has been dropped due to low numbers, with the council and bus company coming under criticism for the move.

The number 25 service in Swindon ran between Mannington and central Swindon, with Marcus Kittridge, who used it, explaining many elderly customers and people with disabilities depended on the service.

Swindon Bus Company said "very few people" were travelling on the route, which was subsidised by Swindon Borough Council, adding it has extended the 23 route instead.

The council said it understood bus services being withdrawn is "always highly emotive and we appreciate that passengers who used the service will understandably be upset".

Marcus Kittridge said the service is "crucial" to people with disabilities

Mr Kittridge told the BBC he had been using the service since 1988 and would usually take the number 25 to the Old Town area of Swindon.

"It's been a lifeline for me, particularly when it's in the winter, icy or raining, it's not a very nice journey otherwise up the hill," he said.

But he added: "I went to the bus stop the other day and there was a notice that said 'this service has been discontinued'."

He said it was the same day that Swindon's Bus Boulevard opened.

"I've just helped to spend £33m of my tax payer money and now I can't get there to see it," he added.

Mr Kittridge said among the other regular bus users was someone who was blind, who the drivers knew well, as well as older people who "really rely on that service".

Other local residents said they were also disappointed by the move.

Usual signs at the bus stops have been taken down and laminated signs put up, advising that the last day of operation was 30 August.

The laminated sign said passengers "may be eligible" to use the Steps for You Community Transport service, which they can register for and concessionary bus passes can be used on.

Swindon Bus Company said the withdrawal of the number 25 service was down to low numbers and this will mean it can bring in "much-needed reliability improvements for shoppers' services in Swindon".

"The removal of the 25 has allowed us to extend route 23 to South Marston, which we expect to be used by many more people than the numbers travelling on the withdrawn section of the route," it added.

In a statement, Swindon Borough Council said: "Swindon's Bus Company withdrew the service, which was subsidised by the Council, because a very small number of people were using it.

"We are aware that some passengers may not be able to access more frequent bus services nearby, which is why we have put alternative arrangements in place through the Steps for You Community Transport service."