CUTS to bus services could hit the country’s economic road to recovery, according to dozens of MPs.

A total of 39 MPs - including six from the North East - have signed a Commons motion expressing concerns that vital links are being withdrawn as spending cuts bite.

The Early Day Motion highlights how two thirds of public transport journeys are made by bus and are essential in terms of connections to jobs, education, shops and services.

But it warns that “hundreds of local authority supported bus services deemed socially necessary are being withdrawn” and expresses concern that a key grant for operators being slashed by 20% from next year will further damage the network.

In the North East, dozens of services have already been axed as councils face a cash squeeze.

MPs are now calling “on the Government to ensure buses receive the funding and support that they need to play their part in keeping the country mobile and on the road to recovery”.

Ian Mearns, Labour MP for Gateshead, said: “Any rational country understands the need for public transport to oil the wheels of the productive economy.”

Mr Mearns, who signed the motion, added that shift workers and those on low wages could be particularly hard cut by cuts to bus services. Neil Foster, Northern TUC policy and campaign officer, said: “It is of most concern in rural areas where it is a lot more important for access to jobs and services.

“It will have an impact on people’s livelihoods, their contacts with their friends and family as well.”