Campaigners have called on the council to protect a “vital” bus service.

Transport for London is currently consulting on the future of the 48 bus route through Walthamstow, but groups fear this could spell the end for the service entirely.

James O’Rourke of Chingford is a member of Walthamstow Independents’ Forum.

He is worried the potential for cutting the 48 would leave vulnerable people isolated.

He said: “The cut will have the greatest impact on densely populated areas where car ownership is low and people are more remote from rail services.

“It will disproportionately affect those on low incomes, people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users, adults with young children, anyone encumbered with luggage, shopping etc.

“Cllr Loakes will also be aware that his Labour colleagues in Hackney are opposed to many of TfL’s proposals.

“Will he be standing in solidarity with his Hackney Labour colleagues? And can he please ask his colleague, the Mayor for London, for his rationale for cutting this vital bus route for Waltham Forest residents.”

Councillor Clyde Loakes, deputy council leader and cabinet member for the environment said: “The six week consultation into a large number of proposed bus routes changes across the whole of London only began on Friday September 28.

“Transport for London have informed us that these consultations are being undertaken due to the continuing decline in bus passenger numbers across London over a number of years.

“We have asked to see the data that TfL hold for the 48 bus route, which is the only route in Waltham Forest to be part of this consultation, so we can better understand the rationale for this proposal and the impact it will have.

“This will consequently help inform our formal response to the consultation.”