A PETITION has been launched by Glasgow commuters angered after bus services were cut to reduce the firm's carbon footprint.

A PETITION has been launched by Glasgow commuters angered after bus services were cut to reduce the firm's carbon footprint.

First has reduced the number of buses on the No11 Robroyston to Parkhall, Clydebank, route which travels via the city centre and Anniesland.

The company said the move will reduce the environmental impact on a route which doesn't carry many passengers but community leaders say locals rely on the service.

The service has been scaled back at the weekends from every 20 minutes to half-hourly and cut between the city centre and Clydebank after 7pm.

Ann McKechin MP and Bill Butler MSP launched a campaign on the issue on behalf of families in Kelvindale in the West End.

They say around 300 people have so far signed the petition demanding the cuts be reversed.

Mr Butler said: "It is completely unacceptable to cut this local service. The No11 is vital to people in Kelvindale, from older people who depend on it to get into town to local service sector workers coming home late."

Ms McKechin said: "There is no justification whatsoever for this unfair service cut. There is no suitable alternative for local people who depend on it."

The politicians have written to First Glasgow boss Mark Savelli asking him to reconsider.

However, First says a new tendered service from another firm will partially replace First buses on the route between Gartnavel Hospital and Garscadden in the evenings.

But the firm's plans to tender out a service between the city centre and Garscadden in the evenings has not been backed by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport.

A First spokeswoman said: "These decisions were made after careful consideration and the need to consider carbon footprint implications of services that do not carry many passengers."

Gavin Booth, of Bus Users UK, said: "If there is a real social need for the service then SPT has powers to step in and maintain the frequency."