HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition to save threatened bus routes in Wyre Forest.

The Save Our Buses campaign, set up by the Wyre Forest Green Party, has collected 636 signatures in Kidderminster town centre opposing Worcestershire County Council's proposed cuts.

The county council voted to scrap a £3 million taxpayers' subsidy for public transport, which puts 88 services on 43 routes across Worcestershire "at risk" unless private companies take on the services, with higher prices or reduced pick-ups.

The campaign has also collected 367 signed letters to councillors and has given out more than 120 consultation forms and 350 leaflets.

Stephen Brown, Wyre Forest Green Party spokesman, said "The level of anger from the public about the loss of these services is clearly evident, people have been queuing up to sign the petition and our letters.

"We have been thanked for being the only local party that is co-ordinating action against the bus cuts so giving people a voice. It is obvious therefore that the public feel let down by the council and councillors who are making these decisions, and many people have remarked to us that the council is just too out of touch with the needs of ordinary people who rely on these bus services.

"People also relay to us their own personal stories about how the loss of the bus services will isolate them, put their school children at risk and cause economic hardship as they will not be able to get to work so will lose their job.

"This is not just an issue that affects one group of people, it affects whole communities - we have had the young, the old, workers, mothers, schoolchildren, the disabled all coming along to express their displeasure at the loss of services.

"The message is clear - the council mess with these services at their peril. And that's what we will be telling the council".

For more information about the campaign call Mr Brown on 07966 518726.