AFTER months of campaigning users fighting to the cancellation of the Number 20 bus service will have their say in front of councillors.

Earlier this year Thamesdown Transport cancelled the route from Stratton to the hospital after the subsidy was cut, saying it was not financially viable because not enough people used it.

But many people who relied on the service reacted with outrage and a number of petitions were set up to calling for its reinstatement.

More than 1,500 signatures have been collected – meaning a debate must now be held at next week’s full council meeting.

One of the largest petitions was organised by Andy Peddersen, whose grandmother relied on the service, and he will act as spokesman for the debate.

The 24-year-old, of Highworth Road, said: “The number of people who have signed these petitions shows the strength of feeling about this.

“Bus services should not entirely be about profit. The service has not been running for three months now and some people are really struggling, especially those living along the section of Ermin Street where there is no longer a service.”

In cabinet notes released earlier this month, the council said while it could not afford to re-instate the number 20 service, alternative options are being considered.

But Andy feels this is a delaying tactic.

“We have heard this said by the council a number of times but so far nothing has happened,” he said.

“It feels like they are hoping it will go away and we have had to fight to get ourselves heard. We understand it may not possible to bring back the bus entirely but something needs to be done.”

Councillor Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan), the cabinet member for transport, insists there were weren't enough people using the bus to justify spending the money, but there is a pot of cash available if a solution can be found.

“Swindon Council was not involved in the decision to end the Service 20 bus," he said. "It was a commercial decision taken by Thamesdown Transport because this route lost serious amounts of money because of low passenger numbers. If 10 per cent of the 1,500 signatures used this bus regularly then it would probably still be running today.

“I have pushed hard to see if the council can step in, but Thamesdown Transport and Stagecoach don't have any viable alternatives, and Dialaride declined to submit any proposal for enhancing their existing service like they did for South Marston. £20,000 remains available to help.”

A public meeting about the service will take place at Kingsdown School on Tuesday at 7pm.