A NUMBER of cuts which look set to be made to the town's bus services, including the Worcestershire Royal Hospital route, have come under attack by civic leaders.

First Midland Red currently operate a number of town routes but subsidy contracts between Worcestershire County Council and the firm are due to end on Sunday, April 18.

The tendering process will take place over the next few months but it is expected some services will operate less frequently and some axed completely.

The most controversial service set to end is the 22/22A, from Droitwich to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital. The service looks set to run every two hours instead of hourly and only as far as Worcester.

Mid-Worcestershire MP, Peter Luff (Con,) said he would lobby the council and local health service to retain the service.

"Perhaps the most shocking cut of all is the 22 and 22A which will no longer run from Droitwich to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

He added: "It is just not reasonable to ask elderly people to change in Worcester to get to the hospital - and we all know that, despite planned improvements, the car parking situation at the hospital is likely to remain pretty dire. A direct bus service is essential."

Community transport may be an option but residents must comply with specific criteria.

District councillor Peter Pinfield (Lab) is now calling for an urgent meeting with county officers.

Bus user, Cllr John Cook (Lab-West), added: "It's ludicrous and will pose a big problem for those trying to meet hospital appointments if they don't meet criteria to apply for community transport. "

Other routes set to change, due to low demand, include the 355 service, Droitwich to Hampton Lovett.

There will also be a reduced number of services from Droitwich to New Chawson.

A First spokesman said they could not comment at this early stage.

Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for environment and sustainability, Cllr Alwyn Davies, assured the public the situation would be clarified in a couple of weeks.

He said: "If public transport services are reduced it does not automatically mean bus users will be left high and dry. Our long term plans include developing demand-responsive services which are more flexible and efficient and will fill the gaps where traditional public transport isn't the best option.

"I understand that people will be concerned about the possible changes to the service to and from Worcestershire Royal Hospital. It's the operator's decision to change the route and, if the service changes to run only to Worcester City bus station, there are regular shuttle services up to the hospital."