A PETITION has been launched to resurrect the abandoned 202 bus service.

The Advertiser reported several weeks ago that Diamond have scrapped the route that runs from Bromsgrove to Halesowen via Lickey and Rubery.

Diamond's replacement 44 route does not serve Lickey and residents have complained the area will be cut off for those who do not drive.

The Bromsgrove Liberal Democrats have launched a petition to save the service at https://bromsgrovelibdems.org.uk/en/petition/petition-to-save-the-vital-202-bus-service

Group Leader Cllr Rob Hunter has written to the Cabinet Member for Transport Cllr Alan Amos at Worcestershire County Council insisting that the service must be saved.

Cllr Hunter said: "Last year we secured cross party support in Bromsgrove for a commitment to tackle climate change and yet this is the second time in six months we hear of local bus services being cut.

"As lockdown eases people need safe, environmentally friendly ways to travel not cuts to services."

Cllr Janet King pointed out that the 202 bus is the only service which connects the residents of Old Birmingham Road and Rose Hill, Lickey with Bromsgrove town centre and access to Birmingham.

She added: "There is no sense at all in the proposals to divert yet more buses through Catshill. We need buses on this side of town too!"

Labour councillor Peter McDonald - who initially brought the issue to the Advertiser's attention - has also written to Cllr Amos requesting a subsidy for the 202 route.