RURAL communities are learning about proposed cuts to bus services, which they say will hit the poorest and the elderly.

Devon County Council support for bus services is being cut by £1.3 million from £7.7 million, as part of the £54.6m cuts.

A county spokesman said: 'This will involve cuts to subsidies for less well used leisure services and buses operating to schools, primarily for pupils who are not entitled to free school transport.'

Holne will see its current service of two buses a week halved to one. The twice-weekly 361 Bridford to Newton Abbot service will also be reduced to Wednesdays only.

Holne parish councillor Paul Arrowsmith said the first anyone knew of the changes was when the bus driver told passengers on Friday. The parish council is to object.

'This is a non-negotiable point, we need the two buses. These are frontline services for rural communities, something so important for people who have to walk with a stick.'

Cllr Stephen Purser, chairman of Bridford Parish Counci

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