A CIVIC leader has slammed the dramatic cuts made to a bus service running between Droitwich Spa to Worcester.

Town councillor John Cook says the reduction of the number 22 and 22A service are "absolutely unacceptable".

The bus, operated by First, goes from Droitwich bus station to Worcester via Chawson, Claines and Fernhill Heath. And, as of last Monday, has been reduced to just four journeys per day.

"It was bad enough before, but now it is even worse," fumed Cllr Cook (Lab-West).

"Pensioners pay £12.50 a year for the concessionary bus pas and this includes use of the number 22 and 22A, but now they have been cut. It is absolutely unacceptable."

He said now people have to walk to the A38 to catch the 144 into Worcester, which is dangerous, especially for the elderly.

"If we didn't have that I don't know what we'd do. But not only does it affect people in Droitwich but in Claines and Fernhill Heath too."

Back in April the number 22 and 22A had its route reduced so it no longer called at Worcester Royal Infirmary.

"How are people supposed to get from Droitwich to the hospital?" he said.

Cllr Cook requested the matter be added to the agenda for the next community and amenities committee on December 6.

Worcestershire county councillor for Droitwich Cllr Peter Pinfield (Lab-West) was also angered by the cuts.

"Once again Droitwich is losing out," he said.

"We have either got to increase the subsidies or think of another way of getting people to and from the main centres."

"I woe the day we lots control of the bus system - this new system just is not working."

He says he plans to put forward a strong protest against the cuts.

First's press officer was unavailable for comment as the Advertiser went to press.

l TOWN councillor John Cook has heaped praise a new bus operator in Droitwich Spa.

He says he cannot fault MHS Travel, which has been operating services around the town for about three months.

"They do not run as far as Worcester yet but otherwise we cannot fault them, especially the drivers," he said.

He claims that in the last three months MHS Travel has carried about 25,000 passengers.

"And First is cutting services because they said they are running the services at a loss," he added.