A VITAL bus route which faces the axe could be saved for the short term after an outcry.

The 622 service which links Thornbury with Yate, Sodbury and Cribbs Causeway has been described as a 'lifeline' as passengers rely on it for work, school, GP appointments and for shopping and leisure activities.

It is due to end in April along with around 30 other services including the 84/85 which links Yate with Wotton and is a school route.

However, it was announced this week that South Gloucestershire Council could extend the 622 and 84/85 with £85,000 of short-term funding.

It will be discussed at a full council meeting on February 15.

Meanwhile, a new minibus service has been proposed by WECA to help in the absence of services.

Steve Reade, SGC cabinet member for strategic infrastructure, said: "The 84/85 and 622 are vital services and we were hugely disappointed with the decision to scrap them.

"Further work still needs to be done between WECA and the bus operators but by providing this extra £85,000 pot of cash, this administration has acted quickly to put residents first and ensure these important services are extended."

Metro mayor Dan Norris said: "SGC leader Toby Savage voted to slash the amount his council spends on local authority-supported buses. That's why vital services like 622, 84, 85 and 202 are under threat.

"If SGC insist on less cash for buses then they'll get fewer buses. There's no way of getting around that.

"But let me be clear - WEST link minibuses are not and will never be a replacement for buses that SGC and the other councils are duty bound to fund properly. It is a new system designed to get people to main transport corridors".

Thornbury resident David Hall said: "The cancellation of the 622 service will be a disaster.

"Thornbury and Alveston residents will be unable to visit banks in Yate, as local branches are now closed.

"They will be unable to get to Cribbs for work or shopping.

"They also cannot get to Severn Beach for work or to Windmill Care Home at Old Down for work or visit residents."

A Gazette reader said: "I moved to Olveston, which is served by the 622, 47 years ago and there has always been a bus through the villages.

"There is this constant push to build more houses and reduce services.

"We have had decades of poor public transport and there is increasing heavy traffic around Bristol."

A protest walk is being led today, Thursday, by Thornbury U3A to highlight the value of the 622 where passengers will walk along part of the route.

Two petitions have been launched to save the 84/85 service - which serves villages between Yate and Wotton.

It can be signed at Hawkesbury Stores and will soon be available at the Beaufort Inn, Hawkesbury.

Meanwhile, an online version of the petition is available at tinyurl.com/4jt7e7d5