WALL Heath residents say the axing of a vital transport link will leave their community isolated from major services.

The 261 bus route from Wall Heath to Dudley will reach the end of the line on Sunday April 27, leaving no direct connection for people in the area to Russells Hall hospital.

Angry residents say they are disgusted the route has been abandoned by bosses at Travel West Midlands.

Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councillor Dave Lavender is backing campaigners fighting to get the termination decision reversed.

Cllr Lavender said: "It would appear that once again the people in Wall Heath have been sidelined.

"If this route is discontinued it will mean anyone living in Wall Heath will, after the new routes are implemented, have to catch two buses to get to their local emergency department or Dudley town centre.

"I am appalled large parts of Wall Heath are the only areas on the western side of Dudley Borough not to have a direct link."

The changes have been put in place after an extensive review by Travel West Midlands, who were recently renamed National Express West Midlands, and Network West Midlands (Centro).

National Express West Midlands say the 261 has been withdrawn due to the very low number of people who use the service and the new system is easier for users to understand.

A spokesperson for Centro said: "People with hospital appointments can arrange transport with the hospital and anyone with limited mobility has ring and ride services available.

"We have done our very best to make people aware of the changes and will continue to do that.

"The changes are a result of the demands of people and business, they will improve things for the people of Dudley."

Widow Edna Clarke, aged 78, from Moss Grove, who uses the 261 up to four times a week says people have a right to a direct link to the hospital.

Mrs Clarke said: "The 261 has been running for 70 years, we have been told very little and don't want to get two or three buses.

"They have been very heavy handed in the way they have gone about this."

Centro are holding an exhibition to explain the changes in Foster Street, Stourbridge, on Saturday April 19 from 9am to 3pm.