Elderly bus users angered by cuts in Swindon service

Plans to axe a bus service for elderly and disabled people in Wiltshire have been met with anger.

Council leaders in Swindon are cutting cash support for the V bus - which is a bookable door-to-door service for those without access to transport.

It is also scrapping its subsidy for the 73 south Swindon route.

A spokesman for Swindon Borough Council said it plans to use the money saved to help it pay for the over-60s bus travel scheme.

The council says it has to trim between £300,000 and £400,000 from its transport budget.

Mabel Williams, 88, is one of the regular users of the V bus, which charges a £2 flat fare.

She says it is the only way she could get into Swindon from her home in Stanton Fitzwarren.

Mrs Williams says the loss of the service will take away her independence.

"The only bus left serving the village only runs on a Saturday - with one return trip.

"There is no way I can get to the main road to catch the number seven bus.

"If I haven't got my independence, what am I going to do?"