Cllr Penny Marsden says residents in her ward are suffering as the number 4 service, which runs from South Cliff into town, is withdrawn at 2.30pm when the bus goes to pick up schoolchildren.

She said: "This bus is a vital link into town for hundreds of people, it's really a lifeline.

"Without this service, older people have had to pay for taxis to and from town, which they can ill afford. It is the only bus service for people who live on the smaller side streets off Filey Road, from Valley Road to Seaview Drive."

Cllr Marsden campaigned to get the service reinstated when it was completely withdrawn more than two years ago, and now she is hoping people will pledge their support in extending the service further into the afternoon.

She said: "Myself and the people who use it fought tooth and nail for this service and we'll carry on the fight for it to be extended.

"If these people lived in a village they would probably have a bus every hour all day as this is Government policy. In this case, the closure of Weaponness Valley Road park and ride left many of our elderly residents with no public transport service at all."

Cllr Marsden has been in touch with North Yorkshire County Council, which provides the bus service. In a response it stated that the request would be considered in next April's review of contracts.

Cllr Marsden is now hoping to get this timescale shortened and is gathering support from members of the public to back up the plea. She said: "Your written support would be gratefully accepted – letters, petitions or even postcards, as this service is also used by visitors who stay in this area while visiting our lovely town."

Send all correspondence to Cllr Penny Marsden, Scarborough Borough Council, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 2HG.