CAMPAIGNERS and community leaders have hit out after it was announced that a vital bus service in Cirencester is being axed.

The 58 service which connects Stratton, the Beeches and Chesterton to the town centre and also stops at the hospital, Tesco and Waitrose, is due to end on November 27 as part of countywide cuts by operator Stagecoach.

Campaigners say it is an essential service as people rely on it to travel to work, school, hospital appointments and for shopping and leisure activities.

Last week, Gloucestershire County Council expressed 'dismay' over countywide cuts planned by Stagecoach. 

READ MORE: Dismay after bus cuts in Gloucestershire which will affect Cirencester

GCC says it is 'working hard' to find alternative providers for services being cancelled.

David Prewett, a spokesperson for Cirencester Action on Buses, said it would be a ‘great loss to the town’ to lose the 58. 

He said: ''Cirencester Action on Buses feels that Stagecoach have yet again let down the town by cancelling a valuable service without prior public consultation.

“No other services goes into the Chesterton and Stratton estates so it will leave residents having to walk up to half an hour in all weathers with heavy shopping to get home.  

“The 58 route was designed so that it went to all the places people needed to access. 

“It is a great loss to the town to lose this service, both for what it could have been if it had been run more effectively and now a loss for tourists whose business we need so badly in the town. 

“A significant local population cannot run cars like the elderly, the long term sick, people with young families and those on low incomes have now lost the basic means to get to shops, medical appointments, jobs and to see friends and family.”

Cirencester resident Rosy Leek said: “I was very sorry to learn the 58 bus route round town and to Tesco will be ending in November. 

“I use this bus about once a week."

Cotswold District Council leader Joe Harris blasted the move saying: "This is a scandal.

"Weren’t we told to expect a better service when routes were outsourced to private companies?"

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said the countywide cuts had been a 'difficult decision' to make.

They said: "We have undertaken an extensive review of the resource requirements of our bus network in Gloucestershire balanced against the number of passengers the changes will affect.

"As part of these changes, we have given notice to Gloucestershire County Council that we will no longer be able to run a small number of tendered services. 

"Whilst this was a difficult decision, our priority is to ensure that we can successfully deliver on services that are used by the majority of our customers.  

“These changes were communicated to Gloucestershire County Council in August 2022 and they have begun steps to find an alternative operator.

"Further updates should be available on the Gloucestershire County Council website."

CDC councillor for Chesterton Roly Hughes said it would cause problems for elderly and vulnerable people who use the route.

He said: “This is totally disgusting. Chesterton and Stratton have quite a few senior citizens and vulnerable people who use the buses. 

“I for one use that bus at least three times a week to do essential shopping. 

"But now to bring my shopping home I will have to book a taxi which will cost me in the region of £5 which is a vast difference to £1.70. 

“It's now going to cause problems for the elderly not only with their shopping but some like to go to town to meet up with others and have a chat over a coffee.

“We all know the 51 drops off up by Stratton on the Cheltenham road and also on Chesterton Lane but it is still a walk into both areas with heavy shopping bags.

“Beeches residents will have nothing yet again so they will be segregated even more, something has got to be done to help us all.” 

Cirencester mayor Sabrina Dixon said help was avaliable for vulnerable residents affected by the cuts. 

She said: “Cirencester Town Council is open to being part of discussions with Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council and local operators to seek ways to maintain and enhance the public transport network in and around Cirencester. 

“In the meantime, elderly, disabled and vulnerable residents affected by the bus cuts can get in touch with the Cotswold Friends community transport scheme on 01608 651415.”