Bus chiefs are looking at scrapping a bus route popular with pensioners because it is not making enough money.

The First bus company has confirmed it has been looking at the feasibility of the 846 Shipley to Buttershaw route.

And its operations director Khadim Hussain has admitted it could be cut - but not without proper consultation first.

Mr Hussain said the 846, which covers the area with the 845 off-peak service, was mainly used by pensioners who since April have been able to take advantage of free rides.

He said: "I'm not going to deny the majority of passengers on that route are senior citizens and there are funding issues.

"All our routes are regularly looked at to check feasibility and an increase or decrease of passenger levels. We have been looking at the 846 route for a number of months but no decision has been made on it yet.

"We are not making money on it but we would not pull the plug on it just because of financial reasons. The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Authority is aware of our concerns and we would consult with them. We have no obligation to talk to users.

"First is a commercial venture and services have to pay for themselves. We can't go on running a loss making service although we understand it would inconvenience some people."

Labour Windhill ward councillor Phil Thornton now wants passengers who regularly use the 846 to get in touch and start a petition to try and save the route from being axed.

He said: "It's a valuable service and I would want to see it maintained. I hope First would also consult local councillors so we can feed back what people are saying and how it would affect the community. We need to get our act together on this and get a campaign going."

Wrose parish councillor David Jessop said he would back any campaign to save the service but suggested First should consider cutting out lesser used stops on High Ash, Springhill and Cotswold Avenue, which might help save money.

He suggested a route along Wrose Road, Westfield Lane and Kingsway.

The 846 route is mainly used by people living on Carr Bottom Road in Shipley, Wrose housing estate and Bretton Court older peoples home in The Crescent at Buttershaw.

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@bradford.newsquest.co.uk