Elderly residents who would have been left isolated by proposed bus changes in the south of Sheffield have demanded that proposals be permanently dropped.

Following public outcry controversial changes to the 17, 20 and 20a services have been postponed, pending further consultation on the route.

Lib Dem Cllr Ian Auckland (left) with local residents campaigning to save the No. 17 bus

However, local residents and councillors have demanded that the changes – which are the first announced since local Labour politicians buckled to bus bosses and agreed a ‘partnership’ agreement – be dropped permanently.

Consultation documents reveal that the changes to the 17 service were supported by just 3.2% of respondents, while only 4.1% believed changes would improve the 20/20a. (Click here for detailed breakdown.)

Cllr Ian Auckland, local Liberal Democrat councillor for Graves Park, said:

“Given the concerns expressed directly to me by many residents, particularly by the elderly and vulnerable, I’m not surprised that the consultation showed such overwhelming opposition to the changes.

“While I’m pleased the changes won’t now be happening, simply postponing the plans is not good enough – these buses are vital to local residents and they need a cast-iron guarantee that the service they need will stay. Further consultation should focus on improvements to services, not reductions.

“Unfortunately, it’s become clear that so-called bus partnership was nothing more than a surrender to the big bus bosses and it’s a real shame that Labour politicians are unwilling to stand up for our community’s needs.”

Local resident, Beatrice Padley, of Lees Hall Road said:

“I’m appalled that these changes, which pay no regard to the clearly expressed views of local residents, remain under consideration.”