PASSENGERS have lambasted changes to bus services, calling them “absolutely disgusting”, amid claims their normal journeys are being cut across the area.

First Buses has announced changes that will come into effect from Saturday, September 24 for its services in Slough, Britwell, Langley, Cippenham, Wexham, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Uxbridge. There will also be changes to services to Heathrow Airport.

The company claims the changes have been made to help deliver “more punctual and reliable services”, with services being cut in half and terminating at Slough bus station, rather than travelling across town.

But residents have hit out, saying the changes have meant many of them will not be able to travel around town.

A statement on First’s website read: “These changes will help to deliver more punctual and reliable services. Our current network consists of several long cross town services, where traffic issues can often cause knock on delays in other parts of the network.

“We are introducing shorter routes, many of which will terminate in Slough town centre. They will be scheduled to meet other services allowing easy onward travel.

“While the service number may change, routes and frequencies will generally remain unchanged, with some frequencies being increased.”

Stuart Stebbings, writing on social media, said: “So no service to Burnham after around 7pm. No service on Sunday. And no service beyond Kennedy Park to Lynch Hill and Burnham station which a lot of people rely on, essentially cutting off the people that need it most. Absolutely disgusting.”

Matthew Taylor added: “So anyone going to Heathrow, other than Terminal 5, faces a longer journey to Terminal 2, Terminal 3 or the central bus station as everything goes via Terminal 5 now.”

Other residents also raised concerns over access for disabled people, particularly to Upton Hospital in Slough for the rehabilitation services, as all services had to go into the centre of Slough and parts of George Green had been cut from the service.

First has yet to respond to the claims made by passengers.

For a full breakdown of the changes, visit https://www.firstgroup.com/berkshire-thames-valley/routes-and-maps/berkshire-network-change-saturday-24-september-2016

How will the changes affect your journey? Email newsroomslough@berksmedia.co.uk