VITAL bus services that provide a “lifeline” for thousands of villagers surrounding Worcester are facing the axe.

First Bus intends to change routes towards Malvern, Evesham, Pershore, Welland, Callow End, Fladbury, Eckington, Upton and Tewkesbury.

Worcestershire County Councillor Tom Wells, who represents some of the villages most affected, is calling on the authority to help pay for the services, which he says are currently run without subsidiaries.

He says the county council have 1.5 million to spend on subsidies, a figure that has been reduced from 4.5 million.

Cllr Wells said: “The bus company must not be allowed to get away with this. It seems to me that they are retaining the most profitable routes and simply ditching the rest. The company is there to make a profit so my efforts are focused on the county council transport team to put together an action plan to step in and provide subsidiary.

"I am calling on the county council to step in and act quickly. We are looking for a rescue plan. These services provide a vital lifeline for many folks I represent. This includes students getting to college, workers going to work or those wishing to shop or attend health appointments.

“Thousands and thousands of people are going to lose their bus service in September - it is people that go to work every day.”

The following Worcester services will be affected by the cuts: 30, 31, 31A, 31U, 32, 33, 35, 37, 38, X38, 43, X43, 44, X44, 51, 52, 53, 54, 332, 333, 363, 373 and X50. The 365 Malvern to Upton service will also be hit.

The cuts are due to be introduced from September 17.

Sarah East, head of operations at First Worcester, said the company is making minor adjustments to most of its services in the city.

She added the firm told the county council about the proposed changes on July 6 and is still awaiting a decision as to whether the council will provide support.

County councillor Alan Amos, cabinet member for Worcestershire’s roads, said: “We’ll work with First Bus to ensure they are fully aware of residents’ needs in the urban and rural areas of the county.”

Cllr Amos is holding a meeting with members to discuss the proposals on Monday, August 13.