Hundreds of people in North Watford who rely on buses to get into the town centre could now be prisoners in their own homes after a bus service is axed in the next few weeks.
That’s the view of people living on the Meriden Estate after bus operator Arriva confirmed that the 324 service, which links the area to the town centre and Watford General Hospital, will be withdrawn by the end of September.
Councillors and residents are now calling on the county council to reinstate the 324 or provide an alternative service.
As WatfordNews went to press, a petition had already garnered over 700 signatures.
Watford mayor Peter Taylor said he was very disappointed.
He commented: “This is terrible news. The 324 bus is a vital route for so many people in Watford. It is the only service for residents on the Meriden – linking them to the town centre and Watford General. Removing this bus route would be a huge loss.
“Hundreds of residents have signed petitions calling on the county council saves the 324 or to introduce an alternative service. They must act now.”
Herts County Council (HCC) is understood to be extremely disappointed at the news. A spokesman stressed that HCC has no powers to prevent any bus operator making changes to their commercially operated services.
She added: “We have now received Arriva’s formal registrations to notify us of changes to the commercially operated 324 bus service from 30 September.
“The county council will now consider the impact of these changes, the value for money of possible alternative services and investigate sources of funding available for such provision to help inform next steps.”
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