PASSENGERS peeved by the withdrawal of a 'lifeline' bus service are continuing to plead for its reinstatement - as county councillors have confirmed they are on the case.

The Advertiser reported last week that Diamond Buses had shut down its 202 route from Bromsgrove to Halesowen via Lickey and Rubery.

Diamond claimed the route - which they have replaced with a 44 service that omits Lickey - had been ‘operating at a financial loss’ and had experienced ‘a huge decline in passengers’.

However, bus users have written in to the Advertiser to demand the route's return - and Worcestershire County Council has confirmed it is speaking with Diamond Buses about the issue.

Lickey residents have been left needing to change services and catch two separate buses to reach Bromsgrove, for instance - a daunting trek for some elderly people especially given Lickey's hilly nature.

Resident Sandra Barlow complained: "They say it will only affect a few people - well, there are many who use the 202, including myself.

"The route that they say where you can catch a bus to Bromsgrove is really most unsuitable and much too far for older residents to walk.

"I live at the top of Rose Hill and there is no way I could walk to Leach Green Lane or any of the other stops.

"When they say it is not viable, that is utter rubbish. The service is widely used.

"Admittedly the Lickey part is a lot of pass holders, but they make up for it from Halesowen to Bromsgrove.

"Why should we be forgotten? It is just making us housebound, it is very hilly round here.

"The service was not brilliant, no service of a night or Sundays or Bank Holidays, but it was still a lifeline, especially for senior citizens, who often live on their own."

Dave Weston said the withdrawal was a problem for people who work in Lickey, not just those who live there.

He added: "It’s not just Lickey residents who are being isolated - I relied on the 202 to get me to work at Lickey Hills Primary from Bromsgrove.

"From what I have seen, the only bus going from Bromsgrove to Lickey Square doesn’t start its service until 9.30am which, of course, is no good to me.

"It’s not a problem (for me, personally) at the moment as I am shielding but it will soon become one when I can return to work."

Councillor Alan Amos, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways, said: “We are aware of residents’ concerns regarding recent changes that have been made by the operator to the 202 service.

"We remain in discussions with Diamond Buses regarding the new changes and will update in due course.”