The 2A service runs Monday to Saturday from 6.30pm to 11pm connecting the Wimpey and Queensway estates to the south and the Fairmead and Egerton estates to the north with the town centre.

The service carries just under 8,000 passengers a year but its £25,000 subsidy will be withdrawn under county council cutback proposals.

Bob Wilson, branch chairman of Melton Royal British Legion, said: "Many of our members don't have transport and it's disgusting that this is even being contemplated."

Bus user Judy Barlow, of Edendale Road, added: "It's a wonderful service which just needs to be better publicised, and if it took in the Thorpe Road area of the town as well it would be better used. It's a lifeline for many people wanting to visit family and friends or go to the cinema or theatre."

Melton's two county councillors Peter Roffey and Pam Posnett said they shared the concerns being expressed but acknowledged savings had to be made in order to meet the escalating cost of maintaining statutory services in support of the elderly and vulnerable young people and adults.

They said they intend to explore the possibility of a community bus service.

A County Hall spokeswoman said the council was facing some very hard choices. A decision will be made on February 24.