THE cancellation of a Hereford bus service has left residents disgusted.

The 75 bus service, formerly provided by Yeomans Travel, was withdrawn on Monday, September 6.

The service was withdrawn just two days after Herefordshire Council introduced free bus travel at weekends.

The service ran in both directions from Belmont, through Hereford city centre, to Hampton Park road.

Earlier in the year, the 75 service's number of journeys was reduced, with Yeoman's introducing an emergency timetable.

This reduction was the result of a severe shortage of drivers as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

Pauline Hodges, a resident of Belmont, said she was disgusted by the withdrawal of the service.

Mrs Hodges said it would negatively impact both the elderly and disabled in the area and limit the transport available to them.

She said: "Elderly and disabled people rely on the bus, they can't walk to town or Tesco.

"An elderly neighbour of mine had to cancel a medical appointment, as he couldn't afford a taxi which recently cost £15 one way".

Mrs Hodges said she felt it was ironic that the service would be cancelled when the council are trying to get people to use more sustainable transport.

She said: "Belmont Road is the worst in Hereford for traffic. Cancelling the bus is effectively shoving us into our cars and adding to the traffic."

"Yeomans say the 74A will stop at Hunderton. How do they think people in Hunderton need a bus, but the people in Belmont don't?"

Councillor John Harrington said: "We have asked other bus operators to consider taking over the route."

Yeomans Travel has been approached for comment.