HUNDREDS of people are opposing moves to re-route a popular bus service, which would take it away from sheltered homes, a psychiatric hospital and a primary school.

A 350-name petition has been gathered to protest against bus company First's plans to send the No 4 along Lawrence Street instead of Heslington Road, in York, ready for the new tram-like bus (FTR) service.

First commercial director Peter Edwards has defended its decision as "a quest to improve reliability" for a service carrying more than two million passengers a year - mainly from the university.

He said: "We obviously want to meet that demand and we are dedicated to serving the university with a high quality facility. We are mindful of the future development of the campus."

The No 4 connects the city centre with Acomb and the university. It travels along Heslington Road, which Mr Edwards said was difficult to navigate because of parked vehicles lining the route.

But Fishergate ward councillor Mark Hill has asked First to reconsider. He said: "Why on earth did First choose to showcase the new bus on a route which it cannot travel?"

He said the new route would take the service away from the Retreat hospital, St. Lawrence's School, and the Lamel Beeches nursing home and sheltered housing complexes.

He said that Lawrence Street already had three services, including the No 8 Park & Ride.

The No 4 currently stops near Dower Court sheltered housing, home to about 55 people, including Maralyn King.

"It is a lifeline to us," said Mrs King, 68. "The current service is excellent for getting to town and bringing visitors here from the station.

"We value being able to get on it with our luggage and shopping. My family live in other parts of the country so I have to be independent."

She said many would not be able to walk to Lawrence Street for the new route, and would have to "significantly alter our routine - perhaps limit our outings".

Mrs King has written to the council, First, local councillors and MP Hugh Bayley about the issue.

"We are entitled to the freedom of a bus service," she said.

A council spokeswoman said parking in Heslington Road made it too narrow for large buses to operate along frequently.

She said: "The new FTR streetcar should bring real benefits in terms of passenger comfort, convenience and easier access for customers, however we recognise the necessary change to the number 4 route will be inconvenient for a small number of residents. We are working with First to explore possible ways of providing a limited alternative service for them."

Updated: 12:43 Saturday, August 13, 2005