DOWNGRADED bus services in Stourport have been attacked for leaving elderly and disabled people stranded.

Since September 1 some routes linking suburbs to the town centre and Kidderminster have been axed.

Town councillors have slammed what they claimed was a lack of consultation from Worcestershire County Council - and said residents would suffer.

"I do not recall us ever being consulted about the proposed changes over what is a significant deterioration of services in the Stourport area if you live in Lickhill and Burlish Park," said Carol Warren at Tuesday's town council meeting.

Deputy mayor Vi Higgs said residents in Areley Kings were also affected.

"Part of Hermitage Way is now missed out altogether and the only way of getting a bus is to walk all the way down to Areley Common.

"This is not suitable for those who are elderly and disabled."

David Little blamed changes on county and Wyre Forest district councillors ignoring "nitty gritty" issues.

He added: "These arrangements are only in place until February 2003. The services might disappear altogether after that date."

The council voted to write to Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor to ask him to lobby both district and county councillors to "resolve the matter".