A COMMUNITY bus route that suffered an armed robbery has been temporarily suspended after worried drivers demanded greater security measures.

The move came after the driver of a 251 bus, stopping at Waltham Abbey's Ninefields estate, was targeted by two robbers on Wednesday, one of whom claimed to have a gun.

The robbers escaped with just £27, but Regal Busways Ltd, which operates the route, has expressed concern that the longer term effects of the attack could be great.

Regal managing director Adrian McGarry told the Guardian: "The bus driver is obviously very upset about what happened. He's a regular driver with us and for four years he's never encountered a problem like this. He does a regular Monday to Friday shift and knows all his customers.

"Apparently there was a gun involved. If they get caught they will be sentenced to prison. They got away with £27 and they've put my bus driver through hell. That service earns next to no money at all. For £27 a community has lost its bus service- certainly at present.

"Hopefully the community will come forward and identify the culprits. I don't want two individuals to spoil things for a whole community but we have got to make sure our staff feel safe."

Mr McGarry confirmed there was no 257 service yesterday and there would be no service today (Friday) as drivers had asked for additional measures to be put in place to guarantee their safety.

He also said his company was talking to police about the possibility of high visibility patrols in the Ninefields area.

He added: "We are pleased the driver didn't come to harm. He's off for the moment but he's positive he will return to work in the future."

Anyone with information should call Waltham Abbey CID on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.