VITAL bus services that provide a "lifeline" to hundreds of people in Witney are set to be slashed for good in less than two months, it was announced yesterday.

Councillors and residents alike have aired their disappointment at Oxfordshire County Council's money-saving decision to cut the 213, 214 and 215 services - which all serve the centre of Witney; Madley Park, Woodgreen, Cogges and Smiths Estate.

However, bus company Stagecoach announced it had managed to save some of the other local services by running them without a subsidy.

Directors have made changes to the timetables which will come into affect after July 20.

District councillor for the Witney Central ward Andrew Coles has played a key role in a campaign against cutting the bus services in the town.

He said of the cuts: "It's obviously very disappointing news. It would be devastating for the Witney community and the many people that rely on this service.

"I want to appeal to David Cameron to get involved and use his influence and save these incredibly essential bus services."

Labour councillor Mr Coles, who is also a bus driver in the area, added: "These services are heavily relied upon by elderly people and children and those who can't otherwise get about.

"It is essential they remain in operation. They're a lifeline to people."

The three main central services in Witney were reportedly cut due to passenger fares falling short of meeting the costs of running them.

The 11 service from Witney to Oxford will continue to run as usual; the 19 from Witney to Carterton will have its route revised to incorporate services that have been cut, and the 233 from Woodstock to Burford will be extended to Carterton and rerouted via Minster Lovell.

The S3 from Oxford to Chipping Norton will continue to run the same.

Witney Town Council leader Toby Morris said: "I know we are in difficult times. It's a shame that it's sometimes the vulnerable that bear the brunt of it really.

"The town centre service is important for those who are isolated and not overly mobile.

"We are working to find a solution through the public transport working party at the town council."

Oxfordshire County Council is trying to find about £69m of cuts due to decreasing Government funding and believes it can save £3.7m by scrapping the bus subsidies.

But Witney residents have long been campaigning against the cuts. Worried residents held a meeting at Ceewood Hall in February - which more than 150 people attended - and said they were most concerned at losing the 213, 214 and 215 services.

Labour's shadow transport secretary Lilian Greenwood also visited Witney in March, to give her backing to residents in a bid to help save the town's bus routes.

County council leader Ian Hudspeth said: "We would all prefer not to be making any cuts at all but Oxfordshire County Council has been working closely with Stagecoach to progress measures to minimise the impact on local communities.

"We welcome the news that Stagecoach has decided to continue running a number of services commercially, without a subsidy. I'd encourage people to use those routes regularly. It's clear that the best way to keep a bus service is to use it – 'use it or lose it'."