Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner is leading calls to save the number 17 bus. Cambridgeshire County Council slashed funds to support the bus and now Stagecoach are stopping it from serving Chesterton. Daniel met campaigners at a bus shelter on the route.

Chesterton councillors have joined with Cambridge’s MP to organise a petition and poster campaign to save the service.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: ‘This service is vital for local residents, especially those along Fen Road who cannot get to the number 2 bus running between Addenbrooke’s and the Science Park. Many of these residents are not eligible for Dial a Ride and rely on the number 17 to get to the city centre and the shops.’

Campaigners are calling on the County Council to retain the service. Their petition requests Stagecoach and the County Council to support the bus despite tough pressures on local authority finances.

Petition organiser Kelley Green said: ‘The timescale for stopping the service gives too little notice, with Christmas on the way.

‘We will now struggle to keep the number 17 bus going in the short term. But we will keep campaigning to restore the bus service for Chesterton residents. The bus is a lifeline for many people who use it to get to the Grafton Centre and the Beehive Centre. It is their only access and the 9.30am bus has often standing room only.’