CONCERNED townsfolk are calling for a rescue package after it was revealed that the 145 bus service is being scrapped at the end of June.

The villages of Burcot, Cofton Hackett and Blackwell face being cut off unless a bus company comes forward and takes on the service, or Worcestershire County Council funds a rescue package.

Lee Bate, of Longlands, Barnt Green, who has organised a 400-strong petition, said: "I feel very strongly that the service must not be terminated. For young people it is the only way they can have a bit of independence and go into Birmingham or Bromsgrove.

"All kinds of people use the service and they are going to be left without their lifeline," he added.

School children at South Bromsgrove High and St John's C of E Middle use the bus to ferry them back and forth to Barnt Green, Blackwell and Burcot.

The 145 service is run by Travel West Midlands, which has decided not to renew the contract. The service is due to be scrapped on the last Saturday in June.

County council transport chiefs are 'trawling for tenders' and are considering various packages, ranging from saving the service as it is or operating a reduced service.

Ken Radbourne, spokesman for public transport in Worcestershire, said: "We can't say one way or the other whether there will be a replacement service, although there are many options open to us."

The petition has been submitted to Worcestershire County Council. Mr Radbourne added: "Costs are expected from the bus companies any day now so we should be able to compare tenders soon."