VILLAGERS could lose their bus services, a transport expert has warned.

Prof Colin Bamford of the University of Huddersfield fears for the future of rural routes as public spending cuts bites.

The academic spoke out yesterday after the Campaign for Better Transport warned that two-thirds of English councils were planning to reduce their bus budgets.

He said: “We have to be realistic, there will be cut backs in West Yorkshire.

“The services that will go are the marginal ones, the routes which are subsidised by Metro.

“The rural parts of Kirklees will be vulnerable – places like Kirkburton, Shelley, the parts of the Colne Valley above Golcar; parts of Linthwaite and the outlying areas of Holmfirth.”

Prof Bamford, who is an expert on transport and logistics, added: “If you’re serious about looking for sustainable transport then the bus is by far the best option for efficiency of road use and fuel use.

“But once the service level gets below a certain point, the bus becomes very marginal.”

Prof Bamford added that a pre-election pledge from Prime Minister David Cameron was putting pressure on public transport budgets.

During last year’s general election the Conservative leader promised not to cut several benefits for people aged over-60 – including the free bus pass.

But Prof Bamford pointed out yesterday that councils, not the Government, were responsible for funding this promise.