A LIFELINE bus that serves the people of Windermere will stop running tomorrow (October 31).

The Windermere Town 597 service is a victim of Cumbria County Council's cutbacks. It takes in a circular route from the town's railway station through Droomer Estate, Windermere Park and Goodly Dale.

Cllr Sandra Lilley said the service is used by about 55 people a week.

"They use it to get into town and to the doctors and if it's not there they can't afford the £4 in a taxi each way," she told Windermere Town Council.

Grange-based Blueworks Private Hire, which currently runs the service, has lost the contract but town councillors said they hope Kendal-based Lakeland Commercials will take over the route.

A Cumbria County Council spokesperson said: "We have had positive meetings with Windermere Town Council about finding a solution to replace the 597 service and are in discussions with a local transport provider regarding this."