Elderly bus passengers who feared they would lose their independence when a bus service was stopped have expressed their relief after it returned.

People living at the Cedars Retirement Village in Chorleywood shared their concerns after an operator announced it was suspending the 336 service to Watford town centre due to the works in the high street.

But Carousel has brought back the bus, which goes directly to Cedars, under a new 103 service and residents at the home, which has an average age of 85, couldn’t be happier.

Watford Observer:

Earlier this year, residents campaigned to save the service

Jennifer James, who lives at Cedars, said: “This bus was a lifeline and it meant that many had to rely on lifts and taxis to get to town. We need a bus for our independence because many of us can’t get to the main road to get other buses.

“We were concerned that the service may never return. So it is great news that it is back and it means we can all go out shopping or to doctor’s appointments without it costing lots of money.

Carousel said back in February that it was only a temporary measure to stop the service. It said the closure of the high street meant the 336 had to take a “considerable diversion”, which had an effect on the bus directly serving Cedars.

Watford Observer:

Happy faces as residents welcome back their bus

Ms James said she wanted to thank everyone who helped, including David Gauke MP, Chorleywood Parish Council, and Carousel, for a united effort while the buses were out of action and to ensure they have returned.

The 103 runs from High Wycombe via Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Croxley Green, before terminating in Clarendon Road in Watford town centre.