ELDERLY and disabled people in part of Newport have accused transport bosses of taking away their lifeline by slashing bus services.

Passengers have complained to the Argus about Newport Transport's decision to cut services to Ridgeway and Mount Pleasant estates.

Buses used to run every 30 minutes during the day but now only arrive hourly. It follows the company's earlier axing of Sunday and evening services to that area of the city. Seventy-year-old diabetic sufferer David Perry, (pictured) of Ridgeway Close, is disabled and uses the bus to attend regular clinic appointments.

"By the time you queue in town to come back there are so many people waiting the bus is full. I have to use two sticks and I need a hip replacement. I need the bus, it's the only way to get into town."

Mr Perry lives with his widowed sister June Morgan, aged 68, who has been unable to drive since her leg was amputated because of arthritis.

"There are no shops here, you have got to go to town. "It is not only us, there are lots of other people who feel like this."

Residents have also written into the Argus to complain about the withdrawal of the half-hourly service.

Ron Powell, of Mount Pleasant, Rogerstone, said Newport Transport's decision was a mistake and city centre businesses would suffer.

"We have no shops locally and public transport is our lifeline. "This is a sorry state of affairs and must be put right."

Among complaints raised was that Ridgeway estate was for the elderly and disabled and, with no doctors' surgery or chemist within walking distance, buses were essential. No one from Newport Transport was available to comment on the cuts.