THE cancelled number 20 bus route will not return, despite a petition of 1,500 signatures being handed to Swindon Borough Council's full meeting last night.

As it was loss making, councillors said they were not able to subsidise the Thamesdown service from Stratton to the Great Western Hospital without making cuts elsewhere.

Instead they favour reform to concessionary travel, including possibly increasing the amount those who replace their bus passes for travel vouchers can get.

They will also speak to residents about an alternative service.

Andy Peddersen, 24, drew up the petition and presented his case after a meeting earlier in the week between Stratton residents, councillors and Thamesdown Transport bosses.

After the council meeting Andy said: “It is good councillors and Thamesdown Transport are talking to residents but many will feel it is too little, too late.

“What is most concerning to me is that it has taken the removal of the service before anyone has taken these people’s needs seriously.”

During last night's meeting there were calls from Labour councillors to return the bus.

After the meeting Councillor Jim Robbins (Lab, Mannington and Western) said: “We were all impressed by the petition but were disappointed the Conservatives did not bring the bus back in some form.

“We know it may not have been possible to fully bring it back but maybe a three-day service was an option.

“We talk about residents with mobility issues and asking them to walk half a mile to their nearest bus stop is not the way this council should be operating.

“It is right to look at concessionary travel but we should have been doing more for these residents.”

But cabinet member for transport Dale Heenan (Con, Covingham and Dorcan) said the resolution will mean bus services in Swindon can be managed properly without building expectations.

He said: “The Service 20 cut was announced by Thamesdown Transport in March because of low passenger numbers.

"Cabinet discussed the situation at length in June and September, and not once has a Labour cuncillor spoken up about this bus.

“Council agreed to three things. Firstly, try to find alternatives to Service 20.

"Two, lobby the Government to reform concessionary fares and include services like Dial a Ride for public transport funding.

“Three, there will be the first ever social need policy agreed by backbenchers so they have a strong voice on the issue.”