HUNDREDS of residents have signed a petition after a 'vital' bus service was axed.

Warrington's Own Buses, formerly known as Network Warrington, has withdrawn the 23 and 23a bus services operating in the east of the town.

But a number of residents believe that the route provides a 'vital' link between Cinnamon Brow, Orange Grove, Avery Close and Fearnhead Cross.

They say that some residents have been 'cut off from essential services' based at Fearnhead Cross - including Padgate Library, Fearnhead Cross Medical Centre and the Well Warrington pharmacy.

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Pensioner Rose Corry, chairman of the Fearnhead Cross Centre management committee, started a petition to have the bus service reinstated.

And she and Cllr Diana Bennett handed the petition to Warrington Borough Council chief executive Steven Broomhead after it was signed by nearly 500 residents.

Poulton-with-Fearnhead Parish Council member Cllr Bennett and her fellow councillors Graham Friends and Hillary Cooksey has met with executive members of the bus company to propose re-routing the number 25 bus along Cinnamon Lane, but this was deemed not to be possible.

Cllr Bennett said: "As a council, we are pledged to protecting the most vulnerable, preventing social isolation, improving health and wellbeing and supporting our communities."

Warrington Borough Council and Warrington's Own Buses are now in talks over the 23 and 23a route.

A council spokesman said: "We acknowledge the weight of feeling around this issue.

"Given the difficult financial climate, we understand the need for the bus company to operate services that are as cost-effective as possible.

"However, we are currently holding discussions with the company and are considering all available options.

"We will be updating on the situation as soon as discussions are concluded."