A PETITION has been set up against "ridiculous" plans to scrap a bus route described as a "lifeline" for residents.
According to the Diamond Bus website, Rubery, Wychbold and Droitwich will no longer be served by the 145 service when new changes come into force in January.
Sophie Williams, aged 33, works as a receptionist at the Holiday Inn Express in Wychbold and says she relies on the service to get to work from her home in Stoke Prior.
She's now started a change.org petition to Worcestershire County Council in an effort to save the bus route from being cut, which now has 200 signatures.
She said: "Maintaining Bus 145 from Bromsgrove to Droitwich via Wychbold is more than just preventing an inconvenient change – it is about safeguarding the quality of life for everyone in our community.
"I work in Wychbold so I rely on the buses to get to work.
"A lot of elderly residents live within the village as well. They need it as a priority.
"I just think it's ridiculous".
Sophie has also said she has mobility issues which makes it difficult for her to walk long distances.
"It's not difficult to see the 145 bus as more than just a means of transportation, she said.
"It serves our community, becoming a lifeline for those who need it most.
"Many of our community’s school children ride bus 145 daily to their educational institutions.
"Our elder residents utilize this service to maintain an independent life, freely moving around for their needs and contributing to maintaining their mental health due to the autonomy it provides".
Diamond Bus has confirmed that changes to the 145 and 145A are set to be made "due to low patronage on some sections of these routes."
The changes are part of work between the bus company and Worcestershire County Council
On the Diamond Bus website, it says: "A revised 145 service will now operate between Longbridge Rail Station & Stoke Prior via Bromsgrove only. 145A will be withdrawn and Rubery, Wychbold & Droitwich will no longer be served by the 145".
They said that alternative services are available along these corridors and people can visit Traveline to plan alternative routes.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, said: “We're currently working with Diamond to examine a fall in passenger numbers and increased costs for this service.
"The service will remain in place whilst this review takes place, the long-term future of the service and how it will run will be decided once all options available have been considered."
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