Members of a community transport group have spoken out after it was announced that more commercial bus routes across Suffolk are to be axed.

Anglian Buses has said its 164 and 165 services, which operate between Ipswich, Leiston, Saxmundham, Woodbridge and Aldeburgh, will run for the final time this week because the route is no longer commercially viable.

Suffolk Community Transport, which represents 19 of the county’s individual operators believes the reduction in commercial bus routes has highlighted the importance of community transport, particularly in rural areas.

The organisation’s chief executive, Yvonne Chappell, said: “More commercial transport links are being cut in rural areas than anywhere else, and a recent survey showed people in East Anglia are among the most likely in the country to face transport poverty.

“This means people’s quality of life is being adversely affected because they have no access to transport due to age, rural isolation, accessibility or physical and mental disability.

“As a result community transport is playing a more and more important role in helping to ensure rural communities remain buoyant and sustainable.”

Community transport groups based in towns such as Bury St Edmunds, Leiston, Sudbury and Hadleigh are looking for volunteers to help them meet increased demand for their services. Anyone interested can email enquiries@suffolkcommunity transport.org.uk