Stagecoach Strathtay recently confirmed that certain routes in and around the town would be either reduced or cancelled.

The total number of peak time journeys in the town is also to be cut when the new timetable is introduced next month.

Locals haven't taken the news well and some are clearly still angry that the move should be made shortly after the company announced increases in its revenue.

Nicola Bingham, of Annat Road, said: "I try to get the 12.45pm service, but I am told that there is no bus till 1.15pm because they are going on their tea break.

"It only goes as far as the old railway bridge, and stops there. It's rubbish."

She went on to say that the bus to the Links Health Centre used to be a low-liner, which would allow her easier access for taking pushchairs on and off the bus, but said that had been stopped, making it more difficult to board and alight for wheelchair and pram users.

One resident said: "The number 48 doesn't have a Sunday service. It's bad if you have trouble walking like me - there's just no buses at all."

Another resident said as there was no number 48 on a Sunday, she was forced to take a taxi to church.

The number 48 service was also criticised by residents as it did not go down to Tesco, which they could see no reason for.

Phyllis Radburn said: "It will affect me a lot, when my daughter is not around. She normally takes me out in the car, but I don't like to hamper her too much so I use the bus quite often.

"It's a good service, and it's never late. But they're cutting down on everything these days."

One resident said the cuts were "stupid" while another said it would have an impact on the working population of the town.

Stagecoach tycoon Brian Souter said recently that there had been a "fundamental shift toward public transport" due to increased congestion and rising fuel costs.

But Montrose councillor David May criticised Mr Souter's comments which came not long after the cuts to the town's bus service were announced.

Mr May said he was planning to write to SNP MSP John Swinney, to ask him to speak to Mr Souter – a major financial backer of the SNP - in an effort to have the cuts reversed.

Services which will be affected include commercial journeys on number 47 which will be completely withdrawn south of Montrose High Street and north of Borrowfield, Coronation Way.

The hourly link that was provided on service 47A to/from Borrowfield beyond the town centre to the Links Health Centre is also withdrawn.