Passengers of two hail-and-ride bus services from Worcester Park to Kingston say that threatened cuts could stop some elderly people getting out and about.

The K9 and K10 buses are a lifeline for many elderly and disabled people who find it difficult to walk to bus stops.

They run similar routes along back roads from Epsom to Kingston via Worcester Park and Kingston Hospital from Mondays to Fridays until late afternoon, terminating at Worcester Park on Saturdays and no service on Sundays.

The K10 runs about once an hour and the K9, popularly known by users as "the dog", every 15 minutes from mid-morning to mid-afternoon and then once an hour.

Councillor David Fraser from St James's ward said proposals by Surrey County Council to halt the service between Kingston and Worcester Park would cause hardship.

He said: "Many elderly people rely on the service and are very concerned that this section may be cut.

"We presented a petition of 5,000 signatures against its proposed suspension in 1998 and have presented 100 signatures against this latest proposal.

"The service is largely subsidised by Surrey County Council which wants to cut the Worcester Park to Kingston section. But if Kingston is prepared to give millions to fund a theatre, I don't see why it cannot afford a subsidy for buses."

The K9/K10 routes are run by Epsom Coaches, on contract to Surrey County Council.

A spokeswoman for Surrey County Council said: "The service is due to be axed because of lack of usage between Worcester Park and Kingston.

"In addition, congestion in Kingston town centre causes unreliability in the service towards the Epsom area.

"Passengers can still use bus 213, which is fully accessible for those with disabilities and runs about every 10 minutes."

A spokesman for Epsom coaches said the route was nevertheless well-used.