A new campaign group is throwing its weight behind saving a threatened “lifeline” bus service and ensuring safer travel for schoolchildren.

The Epping Forest Transport Action Group (EFTAG), which formed last month, is also pushing for public transport to be considered in council planning decisions.

Heidi Chow leads the Save the 167 campaign, backed by the new group.

A petition signed by almost 2,000 people has urged Transport for London to keep the 167 route.

Ms Chow said it is a “lifeline for residents of the Debden estate and the surrounding areas.

“Cutting the route will not only affect school children, elderly and others who depend on it but is also short-sighted given the level of residential and commercial development in the area.”

Cycling campaigner George Lund, who proposed EFTAG’s three priorities, said: “We need our councillors to start thinking about affordable transport with every decision they take.

“The different councils need to start talking to each other - if they assume everyone will drive everywhere and don’t plan for anything else, that’s exactly what will happen.

“Making the right choices will avoid gridlock and make Epping Forest a safer, happier, healthier place for our children to grow up.”

The group’s next meeting will be at The Space in Loughton library, Traps Hill, on October 12.