MORE than 1,400 signatures have been secured in the fight to keep a bus service.

Elderly Wribbenhall residents protested outside Bewdley's Guildhall on Saturday with posters and placards against changes that could leave many isolated.

Hundreds of townsfolk signed a petition started two weeks ago on the day.

As reported last month in the Shuttle/Times and News, bus company First in the Midlands will withdraw the part of a route that serves people living north of Kidderminster Road from September 1.

It provides access for elderly and disabled residents to medical services and shops in Bewdley and Kidderminster.

Thelma Drapier, who helped organise Saturday's protest, said the response from the public had been "overwhelming".

"We had more than 800 signatures on the day, between 12.30pm and 3pm," she said. "I don't use the bus but I'm fighting for those who do."

Mrs Drapier, of Shaw Hedge Road, added: "We had old ladies in their 70s and 80s standing, protesting and getting signatures. That's how worried they are."

The petition has now been handed to Wyre Forest district councillor Tony Greenfield, who represents Wribbenhall and Arley.

"I'm taking these signatures down to County Hall and we will try to reverse the decision of the bus company to withdraw the service."

Worcestershire County Council is arranging a subsided replacement but it will probably be less frequent and serve a different route.