Dumbarton’s MSP has hit out following the news that a vital local bus service is set to be axed.

SPT announced on Thursday that the subsidised 208 and 218 services, which link communities in Brucehill and Silverton, will be pulled on December 28th.

The passenger transport authority said it was no longer in a position to financially support the service, which also calls at Dumbarton’s High Street.

It has previously subsidised the services for early morning, evening and Sunday cover.

There will be no change to the commercially operated daytime 208 service, provided by bus operator First Glasgow during peak hours.

SPT also cited an “unsustainable level of passenger use” as motivation for the decision.

It will mean that Silverton will now have no direct public bus service during evenings or on Sundays.

MSP Jackie Baillie blasted SPT’s decision to withdraw funding at short notice.

She said: “It is unacceptable that this announcement was made without consultation, so close to Christmas, when the service will cease from December 28th.

“This appears to be a cynical attempt to sneak out the news while service users are distracted.

“There are many elderly residents in Brucehill,  Silverton and Westcliff, who rely on this service and who cannot walk long distances.

“This decision will effectively leave these residents marooned.”

Jackie has written to SPT seeking reconsideration of the decision.