A COUNCILLOR today told of his fury at plans to axe bus services between Skelton and Clifton Moor.

Coun Mark Waudby said moves to make changes to First's number 27 service were "disgraceful" and would leave many residents with no affordable means of travelling to the Clifton Moor retail park.

Timetable changes, due to come into effect at the start of September, will see the 27 go straight to the city centre from Skelton, bypassing Clifton Moor.

Coun Waudby, ward councillor for Rawcliffe and Skelton, said this had caused anger among Skelton residents who do their weekly shopping at the retail park.

Coun Waudby said he has held talks with Dave Pearson, the council's principal transport planner, and the two have arranged to meet with First and other bus service providers in order to get a service from Skelton to Clifton Moor reinstated.

But First's commercial manager, Peter Edwards, said the changes had been proposed following consultation with City of York Council.

Coun Waudby said: "I find it absolutely disgraceful that First York have decided to remove the service between Skelton and Clifton Moor.

"A number of residents find this service invaluable. First York have justified the change on the grounds that there weren't many passengers using the service, but for those who do use it, it is essential.

"I have already spoken to council officers about this matter and we have found ourselves in agreement that there should continue to be a service between Skelton and Clifton Moor.

"I have also arranged to meet with First York and other bus service providers later this week in order to discuss scrapping the proposed changes to the 27 service or finding a replacement."

Mr Edwards said: "We have spoken to City of York Council and made it clear that the service we operate is not sustainable commercially.

"We are not able to sustain the service between Skelton and Clifton Moor."

A City of York Council spokesman said: "The link between Skelton and Clifton Moor was removed because it was poorly used.

"To enhance the service from Clifton Moor onward it was agreed to remove the link. Coun Waudby came to us and we are looking at the situation of the link again."

Updated: 11:41 Wednesday, August 21, 2002