THREE hundred angry residents are demanding action over a bus service which leaves them stranded for weeks at a time.

Pensioners at Sandbach Heath say they waited hours in sub-zero temperatures after Cheshire County Council failed to tell them their only bus was being cancelled during the school holidays.

Sandbach town councillor Dennis Robinson has collected more than 300 signatures on a petition demanding a better service.

He said: 'The bus, which should reach Heath Road at 9.07am, is the only service in the area.

'It is a desperate situation when people, many without families or visitors, are completely isolated for two weeks over Christmas, and facing the same situation over half-term.

'It leaves them vulnerable and frightened, especially when there is no warning.

'It is cruel and irresponsible to make them wait hours in the winter for a bus which is never going to turn up.'

Mr Robinson says life has been difficult for pensioners since Sandbach Heath's post office was closed in 2003. They now face a mile-long trip to George's Walk in the town centre.

Cheshire County Council principal transport officer John Morgan said the bus service is not financially viable when children are off school.

He added: 'We are looking at ways to provide a proper service to Sandbach Heath. If we can find a way of satisfying the need we will.'

Cllr Robinson is calling for an hourly Rural Rider service through Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach to add Sandbach Heath to its route.