The new shuttle service will start soon, said the council

They criticised Powys council when stops in and around Rhayader were cancelled following a transport review.

Buses out of the town now arrive and depart from a car park leaving some older people with a trek home.

The council said a new feeder bus would serve the main bus stop but passengers will have to book by phone in advance.

Mavis Jones, treasurer of the local Darby and Joan Club, said pensioners had been left stranded by changes to the town route.

'More efficient'

"Our independence is very important to us so when the council cancelled the stops in and around Rhayader many of us were very disappointed," added Mrs Jones, 75.

"The bus would stop a few times before getting to the main stop in the car park and it meant that passengers had a short walk home, but the new route means many face up to a half-a-mile walk home."

Powys Council said, following a transport review, it had introduced changes "that will make public transport services more efficient".

A spokesman added: "We have strengthened the main routes where the majority of the demand is, but this resulted in the loss of some stops and this is the case in Rhayader.

"However, we are looking to introduce a demand response service for the town that will feed into the main route which residents will be able to take advantage of."

The council said it hoped the service would start shortly.