Regular users of the K3 bus service, which runs through Hinchley Wood and Claygate from Kingston to Esher, say they were left in the dark over the change introduced last month.

London Transport Buses, which runs the service, decided the K3 will no longer serve Coverts Road because it was underused, carrying just 20 passengers a day.

But such is the strength of feeling over what many consider to be a vital service, particularly for the elderly, that residents have no intention of taking the decision lying down.

Claygate Centre is used by the retired, many of whom used the K3 bus stop near Coverts Road.

Centre manager Margaret Wood said: "It's such a great shame for the elderly if they can't get their buses - they get cut off. We have people throughout the borough and people who come from Kingston."

Mrs Wood said that although the decision hits the elderly particularly hard, everyone is affected, including the infirm and the young.

A petition is being circulated by Claygate Councillor Hugh Ashton to show the strength of support for the bus service to return.

He said: "There are many elderly people in that area who could easily become housebound if the K3 is not reinstated in Coverts Road."

Residents say they were not told about the changes and there were no warning notices.

A London Transport Buses spokesman said they consulted Surrey County Council about the cessation of the service and put warning notices in buses.

The spokesman added that the company's remit was to provide services for London customers and only venture into Surrey to meet their needs.

If Surrey County Council wanted to maintain the service they would have to pay.

London Transport Buses has kept a morning and afternoon school bus run for children travelling to and from Hinchley Wood School.