Campaigners are battling to save a “lifeline” bus service which is on the verge of being scrapped.
People on the Meriden Estate are concerned that the 324 bus service which runs from Watford to Maple Cross is in danger of being axed by operator Arriva.
The Watford Liberal Democrat Party has set up a petition in a bid to save the service and it is being supported by the Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor.
Meriden councillor Amanda Grimston had already slammed Arriva for “not doing enough” to stop bus drivers missing out the Meriden estate when the route has been delayed.
She says that she gets daily reports from people who have waited “up to two hours” for a bus that never arrives.
The issue has since escalated after she found out the 324 bus was “under review”.
Cllr Grimston added: “It’s outrageous that Meriden residents for years have been receiving a poor service from Arriva. But now on top of all of that Arriva will not tell us if they plan to axe the route although, potentially leaving the estate without a service at all.
“I want to get as many signatures on this petition as possible to prove to the county council how much residents need this lifeline of a service.”
Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “Watford needs better bus services, not cuts to one of the existing routes. People living along this route, particularly in the Meriden estate, rely on this bus to get to work, to get to hospital appointments, to go to college or to see friends and family.
“It would be terrible if it was removed. I hope everyone who cares about this service will sign this petition to save the 324 bus.”
The 324 bus service runs from Woodside Leisure Centre to Maple Cross via the Meriden estate, Bushey Mill Lane, St Albans Road, Watford Junction, the town centre, Watford General Hospital, and Rickmansworth.
The 324 bus runs twice an hour throughout the day with up to three during the morning and evening rush hour.
Arriva have confirmed the service is under review.
A spokesperson for the company said: "We can confirm the 324 service is under review and Arriva are consulting with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure residents are not left without a service."
You can view the petition at https://tinyurl.com/SaveThe324
Read more: Bus service slammed for leaving elderly people waiting for more than an hour
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