Old Hill pensioners say they have been cut off from lifeline shopping trips to Cradley Heath after a bus service was rerouted due to roadworks.

OAPs and disabled people living in sheltered accommodation in Lawrence Lane and Church Street relied on the 222 to get to Cradley Heath.

They would catch the National Express service outside Old Hill police station in Halesowen Road.

But now due to roadworks in Reddal Hill Road, which are expected to last till Christmas, the service has altered its route and is now going via Beauty Bank and Barrs Road.

Councillor Julie Webb said it was the only bus service not following the official diversion through Halesowen Road, which pensioners would still be able to get.

She has had several calls from OAPs concerned they can no longer use the service and is calling for it to be reinstated along Halesowen Road “so people in Old Hill can catch a bus to Cradley Heath.”

Councillor Webb said: “It’s disgusting. It has isolated pensioners because unless they can afford a taxi which costs eight to ten pounds return, they are lost.

“It’s the only company not following the diversion route through Halesowen Road.

“It’s very poor. Not only that but no-one was told it was being diverted.”

OAP Albert Fox, of Lawrence Lane, used to use the service three times a week.

The retired maintenance engineer, aged 69, said: “The 222 was a lifeline for us - we are very angry about it.

“We are OAPs round here and taxi fares are disgusting.

“From here to Cradley Heath costs between £3.50 and £4 each way. If I got a petition going I would easily get 1,000 names.”

Cllr Webb said she had contacted Cllr Roger Horton, who is on Centro board. Cllr Horton said he had asked Centro to talk to National Express about the issue.