A decision to scrap a bus service has been branded “disgusting” by users who say they rely on it.

The 505 operated by Arriva and Network Harlow runs every hour from Chingford through Waltham Abbey to Harlow town centre.

The service will end on May 9 after Arriva said it was running at a loss and was no longer sustainable.

There is no alternative bus serving the route, which is heavily used during rush hour by commuters, the elderly and students. 

Janet Boast, 79, of Westminster Gardens in Chingford, described the bus as essential to many.

She said: "The bus is a lifeline.

“All my family live in Harlow and I have no other way of getting there from Chingford. 

"I no longer drive and use a stick to walk." 

"I understand during the daytime it is not that busy, so make the service every two hours. 

“To cut it out completely is disgusting and completely wrong."

Barbara Neylor, 77, used to live in Chingford and travels from Harlow once-a-week. 

She said: "The bus today (March 16) was fairly full and stopped at practically every stop.

“I would be stumped if I lived along the route. 

"I don't understand how they can cut it out completely.

“This will affect people greatly and will be an inconvenience for everyone that relies on it. 

"Any other way of getting to Harlow is a hell of a journey."

A month-long consultation on a possible takeover of the route by Transport for London (TfL) ended on Friday.

However TfL's head of consultation, Peter Bradley, said: "As a publically-funded body we have to prioritise how we spend our funds and there has very limited usage on the route in recent years."

A bus driver on the 505 route, who asked not to be named, suggested the route could continue in May by another bus company which has approached Essex County Council (ECC). 

A council spokesman said: "ECC are aware of the cancellation and are currently carrying out an impact assessment. 

"Other operators have expressed an interest in replacing the service; this will be confirmed in due course."