Spelthorne residents hand in petition to stop axing of the 557 bus

The review is being run by the county council as the cost of subsidising buses has tripled in the last eight years, but residents from Stanwell, Ashford, Sunbury, and Shepperton were concerned the number 557 was going to be cut, meaning the towns will have no direct route to St Peter's Hospital.

In his speech, Mr McLuskey said: "I and my fellow Stanwellians feel we must protest very strongly against the axing of the 557, because the service provides virtually the only access for us to St Peter's.

"The 'hopper' is used by medical staff, and in addition, Stanwell is a poor area where many people do not have cars but nevertheless need to make the journey to the hospital."

Mr McLuskey said the problem adds on to the issues of Airtrack, noise and air pollution, and gravel sites.

He said: "Frankly we do not deserve yet another kick in the teeth."

The 557 currently runs through Stanwell, Ashford, Sunbury, and Shepperton, but the current proposals have no buses at all going through Stanwell and Ashford, and other buses going through Shepperton and Sunbury would have to change at Walton or Staines to get to the hospital.

Carole Coleman, county councillor for Ashford, said: "It looks like Ashford has been dropped off the map. In the proposal brochure, Ottershaw and Addlestone have three that go to St Peter's, so it seems like it hasn't been properly worked out."

Ian Beardsmore, county councillor for Sunbury Common and Ashford Common, said: "I don't think people realise how important this bus is to residents across Spelthorne. It goes to St Peter's Hospital, which is in the middle of nowhere, so it is a crucial service."

As residents from Shepperton will have to change at Staines to get to the hospital, people are expecting a two hour journey.

Robin Sider, borough councillor for Shepperton Town, said: "When you think you can fly to Spain for two hours but it will take over two hours to get to St Peter's, it is important the 557 is retained."

But Surrey County Council officer Laurie James assured the committee that the public consultation lasts until January 31, and that all points made will be seriously taken into account.