Local campaigners have slammed proposed changes to bus services after complaints that the plans will leave their community isolated.

Changes to the 17 and 17A service will see the bus run between Jordanthorpe and Meadowhall only, leaving residents in Norton without a direct link to Woodseats and Meadowhead. Norton Lees estate will see a severely reduced hourly service restricted to daytime only.

Meanwhile, the re-routing of the 20 and 20A service will mean elderly and vulnerable residents from the area will struggle to access Woodseats centre.

The changes are the first announced since Labour politicians buckled to bus bosses last year and agreed a new ‘partnership’ agreement. The partnership has also faced criticism for their poor consultation.

Cllr Ian Auckland, local Liberal Democrat councillor for Graves Park, said:

“When Labour politicians unveiled their shiny new partnership, they promised a new era for buses in Sheffield. However, it’s clear now that Labour buckled to big bus bosses and are once again supporting service cuts, with communities like Norton and Norton Lees losing out.

“These proposed changes will mean a worse service for the local community, particularly elderly residents who will now be forced to walk up a steep hill to get on a bus at Woodseats centre. Worse of all, Labour bosses are trying to rush these proposals through with a shoddy consultation, when people are away on their summer holidays.

“The bus partnership needs to think again and talk to the local community.”