A BUS service which provides a lifeline for pensioners is to be axed.

Access Cars and Buses, based in Monks Close, Lancing, has run its Number Eight service from Boundstone Community College to Worthing for 12 years.

Many elderly people rely on the frequent weekday service to get into Lancing town centre for doctors' appointments, to pick up their pensions and to go shopping.

But notices put up in the company's eight-seater minibus told passengers the service was being withdrawn next month.

Local pensioners say theyneed the service and can't afford the cost of taxis if it stops.

Widow Hilda Minton, 74, of Grover Avenue, Lancing, uses the bus two to three times a week.

Mrs Minton, who cannot walk more than 100 yards without pain because of arthritis and osteoporosis, said: "I'm very angry about this. I don't mind paying the bus fare but it will cost me £14 a week in taxis. I can't spare that much money.

"I live alone and the bus helps me get out and see people. I'm worried about it - it's certainly going to restrict my freedom.

"Everybody around here is unhappy. When the service stops it's going to be very difficult for a lot of people."

Lorraine Allday, 50, of Grover Avenue, uses the bus twice a day to get to her job at the Royal British Legion in Lancing.

She said: "So many elderly people rely on this service and it's going to be devastating for them when it stops.

"It's such a lovely friendly service. The drivers help you with your shopping and drop people at their front doors.

"I can't afford a taxi and I'm going to have to walk to work. It's going to be very inconvenient."

Many people in the area have written to Coun CliffRobinson, who sits on both Adur and West Sussex councils.

He said: "There's a large number of elderly and infirm people here and they need regular buses.

"It will be a great shame if the service does end, but I will be doing everything I can to help find a substitute."

No one at Access was available for comment. The notice on the bus said: "It is with great regret that the management announce the closure of the only remaining taxi-bus route in Adur.

"The management would like to thank all the customers for their fantastic support over the 12 years we have provided the service."

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