MORE than 200 people have signed a petition calling for the return of a "vital" bus service to Eastcombe.

The petition came in response to Stagecoach’s decision in November to change the 20 and 26 bus services to and from Stroud, which left the village largely cut off from public transport.

Tim Williams, district councillor for the Bisley ward, warned that Stagecoach’s decision could lead to growing social isolation.

He said the bus service was a lifeline for many elderly people, providing links to their families, community and important services like GP surgeries and shops.

“Many elderly, vulnerable, people used this bus route as their sole means of travel and as a result, it is contributing to growing social isolation.

“With so many vulnerable individuals in our ward, and with a lack of a comprehensive transport infrastructure, it is incredibly vital to preserve this bus route that many rely on for their freedom," cllr Williams said.

Mr Williams has written a letter to Stagecoach asking them to reconsider their amendments to the 20 and 26 routes.

His petition, which was placed in Eastcombe village shop, gathered support from commuters and residents alike.

Mike Dorey, manager of the Londis store and post office in Eastcombe, said he was “very disappointed” with the decision to change the bus routes, and he claimed there had been no consultation or prior warning from Stagecoach.

He said that many elderly people had been forced to walk up Dr Crouch’s Road to do their shopping and use the post office, and as the lane is steep and has no street lighting, this could be dangerous.

“We have even resorted to driving some older residents home from our shop ourselves,” said Mr Dorey.

“It’s a vital service and we feel let down that a rural community has been overlooked. I would like to see a serious discussion between Stagecoach and the people affected.”

Ben Cole, commercial manager for Stagecoach West, said the changes were primarily made due to punctuality concerns.

“The resources we had available could not operate the full length of the route within the time required to operate," he said.

“Full and detailed analysis was performed and the route was revised to serve the parts of the route with the highest demand in terms of patronage.

“Unfortunately, this meant Eastcombe lost their direct service between Stroud and Eastcombe.”

To check bus routes in Eastcombe, go online to stagecoach bus.com/west.