For some people living in the village the journey to The Hebden Bridge Group Practice doctors surgery, Valley Road, can either be a costly or exhausting one.

Problems attending appointments began when the hourly Metro "hopper" service was scrapped.

Now people face an average £4.50 taxi fee or a lengthy walk.

Rita McWhirter, chairman of the Heptonstall Tenants and Residents' Association, said: "It is causing some terrible problems.

"It took me two years to campaign for this bus service to take people to Blackshaw Head, Heptonstall, Hebden Bridge and the surgery.

"And it was a valuable bus.

"But after it had run for two years, it was scrapped 18 months ago.

"Metro should have consulted us before we read in the paper's the service would be axed. We would have told them what we wanted. We didn't ask for a service every day. It was most important on Wednesdays when people need appointments for blood tests before 10am.

"It's disgraceful that pensioners should have to pay £4.50 for a taxi when there is a free bus pass in their purse or pocket.

"It's a long walk from New Road to the surgery, especially if you have replacement ankles or hips or have respiratory problems. I think it's the longest walk to a surgery in Calderdale."

And June Heginbottom, 74, of Longfield, Heptonstall, also wanted the service back.

"If I have to go to the surgery it would be useful to have the bus back, especially on Wednesdays for the blood clinic.

"It was a very valuable service.

"But we didn't need as many. We only wanted one in the morning and afternoon."

Councillor David O'Neill, attends all tenants and residents association meetings.

He said: "People need to know one way or the other whether they will get a bus service or not.

"If not, then at least we can start looking at other ways of getting people to the doctor's surgery. We may even be able to run a community bus service on a Wednesday, funded by some council iniative."

Councillor Geoffrey Wainwright, of the West Yorkshire Transport Authority, said discussions between Metro and First Bus could lead to a limited service.

"I hope a service running on Wednesdays will be sorted within five or six weeks. But we have to give 56 days notice to the Traffic Commission, which regulate services, before any service is changed."