A POPULAR weekend bus service running between Worcester and Malvern has been axed.

First Bus confirmed it was ending the 44 service on Sundays and reducing it altogether.

The service, popular with people trying to reach the city to do some weekend shopping, is being removed, with services being reduced from every 20 minutes to every 30.

The announcement is the latest in a series from First Bus, with the operator announcing it would end the popular 144 bus from Worcester to Birmingham last month.

Following an outcry from users of the service, the bus provider and Worcestershire County Council announced it would continue for a short period while a solution is found.

The council had been overlooked for £86million in funding for public transport after the Department for Transport said its bid "lacked imagination" giving the county nothing.

The government published its £3 billion national bus strategy known as ‘Bus Back Better’ in March last year with the main aim of getting more people travelling on buses.

The strategy said the only way to achieve this is to make buses a practical and attractive alternative to the car.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin called for a review of the decision, accusing First Bus of "waving the white flag".

She said: "I am disappointed by the decision taken by First Bus and particularly saddened at how it is waving the white flag of surrender over bus service provision.

"Over the years I have spoken up for specific bus routes and have been assured that First Bus is committed to the county and delivering services which my constituents rely on.

"That assurance now looks far from reliable.

"Although the company blames the impact of Covid, other forms of public transport, like trains are back to near normal operation so I have to take the First Bus explanation with a big pinch of salt."

Mrs Baldwin added she had spoken to county council highways chief Cllr Alan Amos about what can be done.

She said: "I’ve also spoken to the district councils about supporting innovative transport schemes particularly for young people who are now excluded from travelling to and from study or work.

"And I have asked Councillor Amos to properly review bus service provision to ensure that it is an open and competitive market which will allow all bus companies to compete for routes."