RESIDENTS rejoiced as they boarded the number 4C bus for the first time in two years last week.

The Dean Court route was scrapped by Oxford Bus Company in January 2014, despite fears people would become isolated.

Since the service was cut, residents and councillors have campaigned tirelessly for the return of their “lifeline”.

Their wish was finally granted when the service connecting Dean Court with Wood Farm was reinstated on February 15.

Clare Wenham, who lives in Pinnocks Way, said: “It is so important for the elderly and disabled in this community to have this service.

“It has brought transport back to the estate for older people who are not very mobile and need the bus to get to local shops and the hospital.

“I think one of the things users missed was meeting other people on the bus.

“They missed that social interaction.”

Oxford Bus Company is running a trial service and is urging passengers to use it to secure its long-term future.

Mrs Wenham said: “I know a lot of people have been using it this week even if it was not that convenient for them, because they are determined it stays.”

At the time the service was halted, a 220-strong petition was handed to Oxford Bus Company pleading with the operator to keep it running.

The company had received complaints about the reliability of service 4, partly due to increased congestion along Botley Road.

It also received complaints about buses getting stuck at Wood Farm due to inconsiderate parking.

Pinnocks Way resident Anna Pearson, trustee of the Dean Court Community Centre, said it was wonderful to see the “lifeline” service back up and running.

She said: “It provides really important links to the community centre and it means they can benefit more from the activities we are running at the centre.

“Residents who did our U3A class used to have to get taxis to our sessions, which is expensive for them – it’s a bit of a lifeline for the area.”

Vale of White Horse district councillors Judy Roberts and Dudley Hoddinott, and Oxfordshire county councillor Janet Godden joined residents on Saturday to celebrate the return of the service.

Mrs Godden said: “I think it is wonderful.

“We complained and complained for two years and now we have been heard.

“For two years people have felt isolated in their community because they have not been able to get out and about without it.

“Oxford Bus Company has come under a lot of criticism but I think it is time we showed how grateful we are that this service is back again.”