ELDERLY residents are facing an uphill struggle after a bus service was axed.

Lancashire County Council has cut the Community Rider service, which had visited Foxhill Drive in Whitewell Bottom, as part of a cost-cutting measure.

The 483 service was previously run by Rossendale Transport, but was put up for tender last year.

Coun Jim Pilling, who represents the ward, said that the community would suffer, particularly elderly people, who must now walk more than 150 metres to the nearest bus stop in Burnley Road East.

He said: “I have seen elderly people struggling to walk up the hill with their shopping since the service has been cut.

“There are a lot of elderly couples in the community and if they do not have family members who can take them to the supermarket or into town then it's a problem.

“If an elderly person has used the bus service for years, they become proud of their independence, so it's really hard for them to ask favours of others.

“It used to be a really good service when Rossendale Transport used to have it because they cared about serving every residential area no matter how small the community was.”

Residents have been encouraged to use a new 'Dial a Ride' facility.

Tim Gornall, group manager for bus services at Lancashire County Council, said: "We have reviewed the operation of the County Rider services following a competitive tendering process to secure best value for money, and have introduced a revised Dial a Bus service.

"We considered the number of people travelling and the availability of local bus services, and have amended the hours of operation to reflect usage and concentrate resources on providing the essential daytime links to shopping, healthcare facilities, social and leisure activities and connections with other public transport services."

Residents can contact Community Wheels on the number 08452 505506.