A petition has been launched to oppose the cutback

Dai Lloyd Evans, leader of Ceredigion council, spoke after Arriva decided to withdraw a service from Tregaron to Aberystwyth because it says too few people are using it.

It has led to local anger, with the launch of a petition against plans to scrap the service at the end of the month.

Two workers at a local nursing home have claimed they could lose their jobs if the service is cut.

There is definitely the potential for bus companies to hold the local council to ransom unless a detailed assessment of the route is made Dai Lloyd Evans, Ceredigion council leader

The public transport pressure group Transport 2000 last week said poor public transport in rural Wales was forcing some people into debt.

Ceredigion council is now looking at the possibility of subsidising the service between two of its seven major towns.

A report on the number of people using the service will go before the council's cabinet in two weeks.

Mr Evans said: "There is definitely the potential for bus companies to hold the local council to ransom unless a detailed assessment of the route is made."

Arriva, which also runs trains, says few people use the bus under threat

The 516 service being withdrawn takes people into work in Aberystwyth from Tregaron and several villages, including Llangeitho.

Derek Bowes, commercial manager for Arriva North West and Wales said: "Very few people used the service and, like all transport providers, we need to ensure that our resources are allocated to where they will be of most benefit to most people.

"Should the local authority decide to put the service out to tender any bus operator can choose to bid for such a tender, including Arriva."

Lorraine Warner of Llangeitho Post Office, who has organised a portest petition, said: "We've already had 66 people sign the petition because they think it is disgraceful that Arriva has decided to do this."

"At least eight people catch that bus at Llangeitho every day to go to work and teenagers and elderly people who don't drive also use it."

Two workers at Abermad nursing home say they could lose their jobs

Aeron Jenkins and Linda Jones live in Tregaron and both catch the bus under threat to travel 13 miles to work at Abermad Nursing Home.

"If the bus is stopped then I will find it very difficult to get into work because I don't drive and I don't know anyone who will give me a lift," said Mr Jenkins, a groundsman at the home.

The same problem will affect nurse Ms Jones, who said: "I don't think this is fair because I rely on the bus.

"I hope that the council can do something to save that service."

Tommy Jones, manager of the council's corporate passenger transport unit, said: "The route is currently a commercial one which we don't subsidise so we can't influence Arriva's decision.

"But we have now asked three companies - including Arriva - for a costing to run the scheme and we will consider subsidising the service in the next couple of weeks," he added.