Bus bosses have promised to review a plan to scrap a service elderly East Sussex residents said was a lifeline.

Eastbourne Buses decided to axe the number 17 following a review that showed underperformance.

But the move led to calls for its reinstatement from residents of Upper and Lower Willingdon, near Eastbourne.

Willingdon Lib Dem councillor Stephen Shing said: "This was a disgraceful decision.

"This would deprive residents, many of whom are elderly, of a frequent and handy service that provides access to shops, the library and, most importantly, to the doctors.

"The revised 53 bus service offers only a two-hourly service and this will not meet the needs of residents."

Eastbourne Buses managing director Steve Barnett Barnett said: "We will listen to our customers. Any company that doesn't will lose out.

"We are not deaf to our customers and I have emailed Coun Shing telling him we will keep the situation under review."