The axing of a bus route which runs through Romford, Harold Wood and Upminster is being "strongly objected", a meeting was told.

The 347 service, which connects Romford station with its Ockendon counterpart, was revealed in August to be being withdrawn by London's deputy mayor for transport Seb Dance in a letter to Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez.

The decision followed a review by Transport for London (TfL).

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Mr Dance said the impact of the bus route's removal on residents was "well considered" but maintained that the majority of users would have a direct bus route within a short walk.

In a full Havering Council meeting last week, Councillor Keith Prince questioned cabinet member Barry Mugglestone over the withdrawal of the route.

Cllr Prince asked: "What lobbying has the cabinet member for the environment undertaken with regards to the withdrawal of the 347 bus route since the most recent announcement by the Mayor of London?"

Councillor mugglestone condemned the decision to remove the 347 bus routeCouncillor Mugglestone condemned the decision to remove the 347 bus route (Image: Havering Council) Cllr Mugglestone told the meeting that the council "strongly objected" to TfL's decision to remove the 347 bus route due to the "significant impact it would have on local residents".

"We have made it clear to TfL that it does not represent the improved connectivity that the mayor publicly promised for an outer London borough such as Havering."

Cllr Mugglestone also said that "access to alternative bus stops needs to be improved".

"The council has also made it clear that given that the service withdrawal is a mayoral decision, we fully expect TfL to pay for the measures that minimise the impact, not Havering."

The cabinet member proceeded to talk about his ambitions to expand the Superloop into Havering.

"We keep saying to TfL reps about the Superloop. The Superloop only goes so far and we need it to go further into Havering. I am confident that through putting pressure onto TfL, we can get the Superloop into Havering."

The Recorder has contacted TfL about the 347 bus route. No date for its ending seems to have been given.