IT is “vital” to have a public transport service that connects patients to hospital, a London Assembly member says.

Scott Wilding and Michelle Dunn, former deputy leader of Redbridge Conservatives, met Keith Prince AM to discuss how to help commuters affected by the W12 service reduction.

Transport for London (TfL) slashed the W12 service by a third in December 2017 from three buses an hour to two, citing customer demand.

It is the only bus that connects South Woodford and Wanstead to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone. The W12 also serves Walthamstow Village.

Conservative campaigners want TfL to run shorter bus journeys every 15 minutes and introduce parking controls in Walthamstow to improve traffic.

Keith Prince, Conservative GLA member representing Havering and Redbridge, highlighted the importance of the service to patients.

Mr Prince, Tory spokesman for transport said: “We are working with all stakeholders to find a solution to this issue. It’s vital that Wanstead residents have good access to Whipps Cross Hospital by public transport and together we will make this happen.”

Claire Mann, director of bus operations at TfL said: “We are constantly reviewing our bus network to ensure we provide the best possible service.

“We have changed the frequency of the W12 bus route between Walthamstow and Wanstead to meet passenger demand, which has fallen recently along this route.

“We understand the concerns raised locally and will continue to keep this under review.”