COMMUTERS who rely on a bus service to get to work could be left stranded if a council review results in it being axed.
Residents in Berkeley who commute to Bristol are worried for their future after learning about the bus service review being carried out by Gloucestershire County Council.
The authority needs to save £2 million on its transport bill and is looking at all subsidised bus services, with the aim of either reducing them, re-routing them, cutting them or offering alternative arrangements.
Residents in Berkeley are among hundreds of bus users across the county concerned about the outcome of the review.
Heather Owens, who commutes every day from Berkeley to Bristol on the 244, said there is no other way she could get to work.
"I don’t drive so this is my only option," said Ms Owens, who works for Avon and Somerset Police.
"I don’t know what I would do if they cut the service, this is a big worry for me."
In the same boat is Katie Scott, also a commuter from Berkeley. She believes the service is not well publicised and if it was it would be used more.
"There are plenty of people on the bus, including students going to Filton College, but I think more people would use it if they knew how quick and affordable it was," said Ms Scott.
"If they take it away there is no alternative for people in Berkeley. We are already losing our school, our police station and our library, this is yet another thing."
Both women were annoyed that a roadshow held by the council to gather people's views on the review was held during the day while they were at work.
"I have given my comments online but I am worried the council won't hear our concerns," added Ms Owens.
At the moment, the council completely subsidises around 140 bus services and part subsidises another 30 to help people get around.
Details of the review are available online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/busreview or pick up a questionnaire on the bus or nearesy library.
People have until 9am on June 27 to give their views.
Alan Barrett, urban transport manager at the council, said: “We realise that many people work during the day and cannot come along to a roadshow. To make it possible for residents to have their say, some of our roadshows are taking place on a weekend and our information evenings begin at 7pm."
There will be an information evening at Dursley Town Hall on Tuesday, June 14 at 7pm.
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