Two “lifeline” bus services will be axed in the coming months despite the decision facing significant public opposition.

Passengers using the 346 and R8 Mullany’s services were recently told by drivers that the decision had been taken to discontinue the routes.

Many passengers on the R8 shopperbus are elderly and rely on the service for their weekly shop.  

READ MORE: 'It's their lifeline': elderly people unable to do weekly shop ​

There has been no official statement from Mullany’s, which has so far ignored requests for comment.

However Hertfordshire County Council today confirmed that the bus company intended to cease the two services. It is believed they will stop running on April 1.

A council spokesperson said: “Like any other bus operator, the company is obliged to provide the service exactly as registered until the traffic commissioner accepts a change to this service or a cancellation.

“We have requested passenger usage data from Mullany’s which will help us better understand demand and in turn what, if any, action we can consider.”

Meriden councillor Kareen Hastrick said she would fight to keep the 346 service, which helps people of all ages living in the Tudor and Meriden estates take important trips into town.

She said: “It’s a commercial service so there is no obligation for the council to keep it but it going is going to make things a lot worse for residents.

“I am extremely keen to make sure this doesn’t happen – it’s an extremely popular route.”

She added: “This is a vital service for residents who are already ill-served for bus services. With Watford Community Housing Trust’s building plans for Meriden, demand can only increase for the future.”