There could be light at the end of the tunnel for isolated residents who have lost their only bus service.

County councillor for West Watford Nigel Bell says he has “received assurances” that a service will be retained on the 324 Arriva route which runs through the Meriden estate in Watford.

Last week, Arriva confirmed it was scrapping the 324 from September 30, which runs from Woodside in Watford to Maple Cross.

Cllr Bell, was joined by Meriden team leader John Dowdle, and together they met with Arriva representatives and Hertfordshire County Council officers at Watford town hall this morning (Tuesday). He said that “strong” concerns were expressed.

Hillingdon Times:

Chris Ostrowski (right) - Labour parliamentary candidate, John Dowdle (next left) with two Meriden residents

Following the meeting, Cllr Bell said: “After stating our concerns on behalf of residents we were assured by council representatives that as they have a responsibility to support the provision of a service along the 324 route covering Meriden/Tudor, they are working positively to retain a service on that route from October 1.”

Meanwhile, a petition by the Watford Liberal Democrat party to 'save the 324' has reached 1,000 signatures.

Meriden ward councillor Amanda Grimston has thanked the “huge number” of residents living on the Meriden estate and beyond for supporting the petition.

Meriden Tudor county councillor Kareen Hastrick added: “I have discussed the issue with the county council and they are collecting passenger number details from Arriva.

“Along with over one thousand local residents I am pressing the county to step in."

Hillingdon Times:

The party says that the petition will be considered by the county council at a meeting on September 20.

Hertfordshire County Council did not provide an update on the statement it made last week while Arriva will continue to work with the county council to find a solution.