The fight to save a doomed bus is not over, says the Labour party.

It was revealed last week that the 324 bus which runs from Watford to Maple Cross would be scrapped leaving a housing estate without a bus service.

But the Watford Labour Party says it will “move quickly to save the vital service” that links the Meriden estate and Garston with Watford town centre.

West Watford county councillor Nigel Bell and Meriden Labour team leader John Dowdle have arranged to meet Arriva managers to “persuade” them to continue the service or at least give longer notice.

The 324 will no longer run after September 30 but a new 520 service has been created that will run between Maple Cross and Watford and on to Hemel Hempstead.

Cllr Bell said: “I condemn this unilateral decision by Arriva to scrap this bus service. Arriva took on the obligation to run this bus route and they should not simply walk away from it because it doesn’t make enough profit. This is a public service people rely on.”

“I will be meeting with Arriva to try and reverse their decision but I also call on the county council to appoint another bus operator to run the service from the end of September and provide a subsidy if necessary.”

Meriden Labour Team Leader John Dowdle said: “I have spoken with many residents who are understandably angry and upset over Arriva’s decision to scrap a service they rely upon. They have my full support. I will fight alongside them to save this bus service.”

Watford Labour have launched a petition which follows a petition from the Watford Liberal Democrats.

Hertfordshire County Council said last week it will “consider the impact of these changes” to help make the next steps.

Arriva said it will “work with the county council to find a solution.

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