Hundreds of residents are joining the fight against Hertfordshire County Council’s proposed bus cuts.

The council plans to scrap nearly half of the county’s service routes in a bid to save at least £700,000 from the annual budget.

The plans have been lambasted by politicians and a number of residents as the proposals will see services after 6.30pm, Monday to Saturday and on Sundays stopped.

Nearly 1,300 people have signed a petition against the bus cuts in Oxhey Hall and Hayling.

Liberal Democrat representatives for the area, Andrew and Alison Scarth, have gathered 1,281 signatures on a petition objecting to the bus cuts.

Councillor Andrew Scarth said: “This is a nightmare for many residents. Buses are essential for people to get to work, shopping, hospital visiting or just out to see friends and family. We must work to stop these cuts.”

He added: “You cannot leave a whole community that relies on these services without any buses. Residents feel trapped and isolated.”

Copies of the petition will be presented to Arriva and Hertfordshire County Council.

The county council said that no decision has yet been made on whether to cut the bus services.

To have your say on the council’s consultation, which closes on October 8, visit www.hertsdirect.org/busconsult