Sutton councillors are campaigning against Transport for London’s plans to change a “vital” bus service which runs through Beddington and into Croydon.

The 154 comes in from Morden and goes through Wallington, through Roundshaw Estate, and down to West Croydon bus station.

Councillors insist the current service is crucial for residents who want to go and do their shopping in neighbouring Croydon, or access London Overground trains from West Croydon station.

But TfL is proposing to cut it short at Park Lane / Fairfield Halls bus stop instead, according to current plans.

Beddington South councillor Mo Saqib said: “The 154 bus is an especially vital service for local residents who need to do their shopping in Croydon or access London Overground trains from West Croydon.

“The proposal to terminate the service early is due to Conservative ministers slashing £700 million from TfL’s budget. It’s a proposal that will cause particular inconvenience for the elderly, the disabled and those who work up in London, all of whom will have to change buses or walk further.

“As the local Lib Dem team, we have written to TfL proposing a compromise, that at least every alternate service should continue to go to West Croydon.

“We have also asked TfL to stop the 154 service closer to East Croydon station, so residents can more easily access the frequent London trains from there.

“We are now seeking to meet with TfL officers, and in the meantime would urge local residents to sign the petition so TfL can be persuaded to rethink its plans.”

Councillors feel the 154 bus service is “especially vital” for residents using it along Sandy Lane South, Foresters Drive and along Mollison Drive.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Mr Saqib has also shown that 258,626 – or an average 711 commuters – boarded that service every day last year.

Despite TfL’s consultation closing last month, Beddington South councillors are campaigning to get the authority to reconsider their current proposals.

Geoff Hobbs, TfL’s director of public transport service planning, said: “The way people travel around London is constantly changing and our latest data shows that the majority of customers now do not use buses to travel across Croydon town centre, which is why we proposed to curtail the 154 at Park Street.

“This would improve congestion and air quality in the town centre, while still allowing customers to continue their journeys to West Croydon Bus station on the 109 or 60 at no extra cost within the first hour.

“We are always keen to listen to the views of stakeholders and local residents and we are currently analysing the responses to this consultation.”

TfL say customers can still use the 109 bus route to continue their journey on to West Croydon bus station.

Those who want to continue on from West Croydon can board the 264 towards Tooting, 109 and 250 on to Brixton, as well as 50 and 75 towards Stockwell or Lewisham.

The Department for Transport has been contacted for comment.