A major Swindon bus route has been cancelled leaving scores of residents furious and in the dark on how to reach town.

Stagecoach’s 53 bus route goes from Cricklade to Swindon, calling at various stops in Purton, the Link Leisure Centre, and the Great Western Outlet Village, amongst others.

It was reported by several residents that the route was set to close and many would be left without viable means to reach Swindon from Cricklade and Purton.

The Adver approached Stagecoach for comment but were told that they were still in the tender process for this service so didn’t have any further information at the moment.

Yet a quick look at the bus registration details on the government’s website reveals that the route’s status is “cancelled” and that the effective date is Sunday, May 28.

The route was initially registered on March 6, 2017, and has ran for six years but its sudden closure means that residents of the affected areas have been left furious.

Swindon Advertiser: The 53 bus route is used by residents in Cricklade, Purton and Swindon.The 53 bus route is used by residents in Cricklade, Purton and Swindon. (Image: Dave Cox)

Kevin Johnson of Purton was left angered that the residents were not consulted before a decision so major was made.

“I can understand how difficult it would make it for local people who do use the bus services in this area,” he said.

“When cancelling it completely in this area, they should at least have had a consultation with locals before removing a service such as this.”

The 53-year-old felt let down by the cancellation of the bus service and felt it is just the latest problem to hit the area.

“Even reducing the number of buses could have worked,” said Kevin.

“This is another showing off a few thinking they know what is better for a community they don’t live in.

“Will they be stopping the C53 service too as a lot of college students use that as well.”

Swindon Advertiser: The GOV.UK site confirms the bus route's imminent cancellation.The GOV.UK site confirms the bus route's imminent cancellation. (Image: GOV.UK)

Although Stagecoach refused to comment on the cancellation when approached by The Adver, their official Twitter account did engage in the matter.

While responding to a user’s question regarding the apparent shutting off of the 53 bus, the Stagecoach account seemingly denied the news.

The tweet said: “There has been no confirmation regarding the 53 service from Swindon to Cricklade being cancelled.

“Please keep an eye out on our Stagecoach website under service updates for any updates regarding changes to services in the future.”