A PETITION calling for the reinstatement of bus services in Stourport has collected almost 900 signatures in just two weeks.

As the Shuttle/Times and News reported earlier this month, Wyre Forest district councillors representing the town's Lickhill ward launched the campaign after Burlish Park residents saw direct services to Kidderminster slashed.

Lickhill residents now also have to put up with longer journeys following the September 1 reorganisation.

Jill Fairbrother-Millis said: "I'm staggered at the amount of anger there is about this. There has been great strength of feeling."

She added she had attended a meeting with elderly people living in the Broomy Close complex who were "struggling to cope" with the downgraded services and higher prices.

A particular concern was residents missing medical appointments and fearing they might be blacklisted, she claimed.

Mrs Fairbrother-Millis also said two Lickhill firms had contacted her.

"They are finding their trade is being affected mainly because people can't get to them. It's totally unacceptable that livelihoods should be threatened."

The petition will be presented to Worcestershire County Council next month.

Ken Radbourne, the county council's marketing and publicity officer, said the changes were brought about after bus operator First pulled out of several routes.

He added county council subsidies were limited.