A petition signed by thousands of people opposing potential bus service cuts has been submitted.

The Comet: The petition was handed over to councillor Terry Douris credit: Chloe DarlingtonThe petition was handed over to councillor Terry Douris credit: Chloe Darlington (Image: Archant)

More than 3,800 people signed the Save Our Buses Hertfordshire petition which was started by Stevenage resident Terry Figg and handed into County Hall yesterday – when a consultation on the plans ended.

It was launched after Herts County Council announced proposals to save £700,000 from services across the county.

These would be achieved by stopping subsidies bus companies receive on some evening and Sunday service, effectively shutting them.

These include some routes in Baldock, Letchworth, Stevenage and Hitchin.

Mr Figg said: “People need these buses to get home from work, from hospital appointments and from college activities. I know shift-workers, older people and students who simply won’t have a way to get about on weekday evenings, and on Sundays people will potentially just be confined to their homes. It’s bad news for the local economy and it’s even worse for individual people who have no other travel option.”

Councillor Sharon Taylor, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, started another petition opposing the proposed cuts called Save Stevenage Bus Services which has had more than 1,100 signatures.

She said: “Stevenage residents rely on a regular, local bus service. I’m concerned about these proposals, especially as Stevenage appears to be disproportionately affected compared to the rest of the county.”

The plans have also sparked opposition from some businesses in the town.

Richard Edwards owns the Crooked Billet pub in Symonds Green Lane.

He said: “Two of my waitresses use the buses to get to and from work. They won’t be able to afford to pay for taxis if the buses don’t run and it isn’t safe for them to walk home.”

The plans are set to be discussed by the county council in November at a highways panel.