The 485 bus service, which runs between Wakefield and South Elmsall, currently travels down Broad Lane and Westfield Lane. But Arriva has announced plans to change the route from Monday, July 28 so that buses will turn off Westfield Lane and travel down Carlton Road and Barnsley Road instead.

Residents say the new route will drop them closer to shops and healthcare facilities – meaning they only have to catch one bus, instead of two, to get to their destinations.

Doreen Russell, 73, of Beech Street, is disabled and relies on buses to visit the Little Lane health centre.

She said: “I have to catch two buses at the moment, which means I must schedule my doctors appointments around both bus timetables. If I miss one there’s an hour wait so I have to get a taxi.

“This new service will drop me off near to the health centre. It will make it so much easier and save so much time.”

Members of South Elmsall Town Centre Partnership approached Metro for help in asking Arriva to improve the bus service.

Chairman Doreen Gray said: “I knew there was a problem when I started speaking to people at bus stops.

“A lot of older people who live near Broad Lane have trouble getting to the shops and the doctor. A lot of them have to use taxis in desperation.

“Now they will have a chance to get off where they need to be without taking two buses.”

Dave Pearson, Metro’s bus service manager, who met with Arriva to discuss the changes, said: “We are glad that the new service will make it easier for people to get to the shops.

“It’s nice when we can listen to what people ask us for and can do something about it.”

Nigel Featham, managing director for Arriva Yorkshire, said: “Service 485 will be operating via Carlton Road from July 28 at the request of Metro.

“This decision was made following calls from local councillors and passengers who wished to gain improved access to local amenities in the area.”