EMERGENCY talks are underway to find new operators for bus services that will be cut in the New Year – leaving some communities with little or no public transport at all.

First Berkshire has been criticised over the move which will see four routes between Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead axed come January 20.

The routes include villages across both boroughs and those on the way to Heathrow Airport. Both authorities say they are working with partners, including the airport, to try and rescue the situation and are holding talks with other operators about taking over the services.

It comes just weeks after The Observer revealed a hike in fares confirmed by First as part of a new zoning system, and the loss of the 702 Green Line service which was fortunately taken over by a new company.

New portfolio holder for Transport at Slough Borough Council, Cllr Martin Carter said the cuts would have a ‘massive and detrimental effect’ on residents and businesses.

He added: “Large numbers of our residents and businesses rely on public transport on a daily basis to make their journeys around the borough and to surrounding areas, including Heathrow airport.

“Without these services people will be left effectively cut off.

“The council has acted immediately and hopes to secure an operator who is able to take on one or more of these services, enabling people to continue to use public transport to reach their desired locations.”

SBC says its priority is Service 5, which runs between Slough and Cippenham, amid concerns there will be no other services that stop in the village or Cippenham Green when it goes in January.

Other services set for the chop are: Service 2 between Slough and Dedworth via Windsor and Clewer; Service 10/11 between Slough and Heathrow Airport via Datchet and Wraysbury; And Service 15 between Slough and Eton Wick via Eton.

Additional services will see a cut in their frequency and revised timetables including the Service 4 between Slough and Maidenhead via the Bath Road. This will see some evening services dropped. Additionally Service 7, between Slough, Langley and Heathrow Airport, will change to every 15 minutes - instead of every 10 - and lose some night services, a First spokesman said. Contrary to some claims however, he insisted Service 7 was not being dropped. Seven night services between 12.15am and 3.15am will be dropped in the Slough to Heathrow direction, while seven will be dropped in the Heathrow to Slough direction between 1.01am and 4.01am.

The spokesman added: “A comprehensive review of our network performance identified a number of services weren’t covering the cost to operate them and were loss-making.

“In some cases we can ensure a service is run more commercially sustainable by changing the frequencies in line with reduced demand, but the challenging operating environment meant we saw no other option but to withdraw a number of services because there is not enough demand to be viable. Ultimately we need sufficient customers during the day to run a service.

“As part of our ongoing relationship we notified the council (SBC) of the changes, and we hope a workable solution can be found which ensures affected communities will have continued access to transport.”

There are concerns Eton Wick in particular will become isolated by the Service 15 cut.