RESIDENTS could be left isolated and vulnerable due to a new bus transport scheme launched by the council.

Cllrs David Ellis and Cllr Arnold Woolley of Buckley have expressed their concerns over a decision made by Flintshire council to axe funding on a county-wide transport scheme.

In July this year, Flintshire council's announced they would cut the amount given to commercial bus operators, meaning only nine key routes in the county will be supported by the taxpayer.

The changes were outlined by Councillor Carolyn Thomas, cabinet member for streetscene and countryside, who said the authority could not fund the full range of existing public transport routes as it was facing financial pressures of £350,000 within the department.

The council has received Welsh Government and EU funding to buy four 16-seat minibuses to run the service, as well as five low carbon emission buses for the existing Deeside Shuttle Service.

Minibuses are set to replace some rural routes, but Cllrs Ellis and Woolley said they doubt the new scheme will be beneficial for residents.

Cllr Ellis said: "We have a lot of people who rely on the current service. Residents rely on the bus routes to get to health centres, town centres, and libraries.

"Due to the lack of footfall in towns, we're looking to encourage footfall not cut it.

"It's the most vulnerable who use it, to go to the library or shopping. My 90-year-old neighbour still goes out and waits for the bus everyday, and that's a big worry if the service gets taken away.

"They [Flinthsire] say they're going to interact with councils, but my take on it is how can they? Even as mayor I have not been contacted, and this is about all ages.

"We don't want it to be cut, we want funding to be expanded. We're not looking for a downgrading of service. It's a vital lifeline and I would not like to see an erosion of the service."

Cllr Woolley has also expressed concerns about the new service, which contains a 'Dial-a-Ride' service, including four 16 seater buses which will operate the on a £10 annual fee, with 45p per mile for travel.

Clr Woolley said: "Here in Buckley, the Hutchinson bus, which we commonly call 'The Shopper Hopper,' does the rounds on a scheduled route, picking up 80-90 mostly older/less able residents each day and carting them up to the town centre and medical centre, or wherever.

"After attending to shopping, medical or social needs, they then are able to get on the bus around the town centre stops, get carted to their home, with the driver often stopping by their door and giving them a hand with loaded shopping bags. The service is vital to their well-being and prevention of isolation.

"The change will mean that there will be no bus service linking Buckley Railway station to the Town Centre. Rail users will likely have to walk from the station to the junction with Chester Road."

Buckley Town Council continue to receive complaints for the change which could leave residents without access to local and regular transport.