WESTLANDS residents will be stranded when the last bus route out of the estate is cancelled on June 17.

The number 20 bus is currently the only route out of the estate and is a lifeline for many townsfolk.

Bus company First, which operates the route, has decided to cancel it for commercial reasons. By law it only has to give 56 days notice to Worcestershire County Council.

Notice was given last Friday, meaning the route will end on June 17.

County councillor Peter Pinfield (Lab-Droitwich Town) said: "It is vital people on the Westlands estate have a bus service.

"Westlands is one of the most isolated of our communities. Many of the residents are single parents, elderly or disabled and have no other transport to get to town.

He added: "I have asked the county council officers if we can find some money for subsidies albeit with a different bus company."

Town councillor John Cook (Lab-West) said: "I think it is absolutely disgraceful. The only hope is that the county council give consideration to subsidising the route."

First was contacted but did not give a comment by the time the Advertiser went to press.