A popular cycle taxi scheme is leaving pensioners without a ride due to a lack of funds.

The service enabled older residents of the Downham estate to access health and leisure facilities, as well as deliver shopping and prescriptions.

But pensioners have been left high and dry after the popular pedal-powered rickshaws were withdrawn two weeks ago due to a lack of funds.

One resident, Harry Walker, 73, of Launcelot Road, Downham, whose wife Kathleen, 71, is disabled, says the service was a lifeline.

He said: "I used to get the bike to do my shopping so I could stay in and look after Kathleen.

"It's a wonderful service. It's a shame that so many people are being let down because it's a lifeline for them."

The pedal-powered rickshaws were so popular that they transported more than 70 residents a week.

Pensioners paid 50 pence for a ride and other residents paid £2.50, but the scheme needed about £50,000 each year to pay for the riders.

Funding for the scheme from the Downham Single Regeneration Budget, London Cycle Network and the South East London Transport Strategy (SELTRANS) partnership dried up three weeks ago.

The cycle scheme has now submitted an application to the Department of Transport for funding, but must wait until June to find out the result.

Brian Dalton, chairman of the cycle charity, says the scheme has had a good four-year run as charities normally only get funded for two years.

He said: "Our scheme meant people could get out to meet their friends or go to the doctor or shops.

"We are fairly optimistic that some funding will be available, but if we don't get the full £50,000 then we will have to get volunteers instead of paid drivers.

"Then we will be reliant on the goodwill of students or active older people."