Bus users have been told they will not be left stranded if a company stops running services through their village.

People in West Hanney, near Wantage, fear they could be isolated if a shake-up of bus services results in the withdrawal of Stagecoach's number 31 service, which links the village to Oxford and Wantage.

David Whitley, for Stagecoach, said: "We're in discussion with the county council about various routes in south Oxfordshire. When the discussions are finished, we'll make a full statement about what we intend to do."

The village parish council has received a letter from Oxfordshire County Council asking what kind of replacement service they would like to see, if the service is withdrawn.

Roy Williams, chairman of West Hanney Parish Council, said if the service was withdrawn it would mean the village would not be served by any public transport.

He said: "We're trusting that the county council will do all in its power to maintain a level of service and not allow people disadvantaged by age and circumstance to become isolated."

Allan Field, bus service manager for Oxfordshire County Council, said the council was looking to fund a replacement bus service. He said surveys and consultation were being carried out to determine what level of service would be possible.