Saltash is in danger of losing its only direct bus service to Derriford Hospital. Although Plymouth CityBus, which was sold by Plymouth City Council (PCC) in a £20m deal last month, has denied the rumours, Saltash town councillors claim the 152 service could be scrapped if more people don't use it.

'The council has been told unofficially that the service is in danger, but we have not been told that it will definitely be going,' said cllr Bob Austin.

'An alternative has been suggested to have a more regular service that would take a different route around the city.

'I am very concerned that if we do lose the bus service there will be hundreds of people who will not be able to use it and will have to find alternative means.

'Some older folks don't drive and the only other alternative would be to get a taxi, which would be expensive.

'It is going to affect patients, visitors and workers. It is not good news at all.'

PCC took the controversial decision to sell off Plymouth CityBus, despite massive campaigns in the city, and at the beginning of December the company was taken over by Go-Ahead. Cllr Austin has suggested he may get the town council to make more people aware of the situation regarding the 152 service – described as 'essential' by many in the town – by distributing letters to residents. The 152 Plymouth CityBus service is the only bus that travels directly from Saltash to Derriford Hospital.

Cllr Derek Holley said: 'It is absolutely essential we keep the 152 service in Saltash.

'In Saltash there are so many retired folk and it is such a useful service.

'CityBus has told us it could go one of two ways.'

A spokeswoman for Plymouth CityBus said: 'As far as we are concerned the services are all running as normal and there are no plans to change

it.'