by Pat Smith

VULNERABLE Catshill residents look set to lose out after new bus timetables came into force.

Changes to the 143 and 144 routes from Bromsgrove to Birmingham could cause hardship to residents in the village centre.

The 143 service will no longer be available during off peak hours and although the 144 will be increased from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes, it will only pass through the outskirts of the village down Golden Cross Lane and not along Cobnall or Churchill Road.

Dawid Maciejewski, a spokesman for the First bus company, said: "I can understand that some people will be inconvenienced, such as an elderly person with a load of shopping, but the extra distance to be walked is really minimal.

"We are a commercial company and at the end of the day we have to cater for the majority of our customers," he added.

The 144, which will travel through the village every 20 minutes, runs from Worcester and Droitwich through Bromsgrove, Catshill and Rubery direct to Birmingham city centre.

Mr Maciejewski added: "The 143 is still available during peak times up until 9am and after 3pm."

Steve Zanker, the commercial director for First, added that since the route was re-launched with brand-new buses in June 2005, the number of passenger journeys on the 144 had increased by about five per cent.

Catshill Parish Council chairman Phil Baker said: "The parish council has always been in regular communication with bus companies with the aim of providing adequate and quality services to the people of Catshill.

"Services have been changed at regular intervals and the latest proposals appear to have advantages and disadvantages.

"Given that some people may be inconvenienced, this matter will be considered at the next parish council and if necessary representations will be made to both First and other bus companies in the area."