Proposals which could see nearly half of Hertfordshire’s subsidised bus services axed have been criticised by Three Rivers politicians as showing "blatant discrimination" against vulnerable residents.

Hertfordshire County Council is proposing to withdraw funding from 52 of the 119 bus route services that run after 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday and services that run on Sundays.

The move has been met with resistance from residents and councillors, with hundreds signing petitions opposing the plans.

In documents put forward at Three Rivers’ sustainable development, planning and transport committee meeting on Tuesday, officers explained that the cuts would most significantly impact on those living in South Oxhey, Sarratt, Bedmond and Carpenders Park, who would be left with no bus service.

The report added: "The proposals would directly impact upon the lives of those residents who rely on bus services because they have no access to a car, who are currently vulnerable to lack of access to services, shops and employment as well as leisure opportunities."

Ann Shaw, leader of the Liberal Democrat-run council criticised the "backwards" policy of the county council.

The Chorleywood South and Maple Cross councillor said: "I think this is blatant discrimination against the vulnerable groups, particularly the disabled who are treated badly enough on the bus services now.

"The bus drivers won’t stop to pick them up and they won’t stop to let them off, what are they meant to do?"

She said: "Do we expect all these people to be in bed by half past 6? That seems to be the only conclusion that we can draw because they don’t come from families with cars. And those who live in poor areas with poor access already have a poor bus services will be punished even more. Do we want people to go out and buy cars? Surely we don’t."

Councillor Shaw added: "This is one of the worst things that could be done for our environment. What we need is more public transport... All this does is go backwards."

Politicians lambasted the "blanket" approach taken by the county council towards all the bus routes.

The changes are proposed to all bus services funded by the county council, unlike the cuts in previous years which target specific, less well-performing bus routes.

District council reports show how Hertfordshire County Council has reduced funding to support bus routes by about 30 per cent since 2011. In 2011/12 funding for these services stood at £6,289,000 and it is now at £4,374,042.

The county council is hoping to cut the bus budget further by £700,000.

Councillor Martin Trevett, representative for Chorleywood South and Maple cross, said he was "disappointed" in the way the process has gone forward.

Three Rivers politicians agreed to respond to the county council’s proposals highlighting the direct impact the cuts would have on the lives of vulnerable residents, as well as students and disabled people.

Arguments were also put forward against the negative effect the changes would have on the Three Rivers community and how the changes could limit people’s job prospects.

Hertfordshire County Council is running a consultation on the proposals to slash the bus service until October 8. To comment on the plans, visit www.hertsdirect.org/busconsult