Campaigners have accused Transport for London of “penny-pinching” after it chose to reduce its service on a popular bus route.

Transport bosses have temporarily cut the frequency of the 58 bus from six times an hour to five due to problems caused by roadworks.

TfL has insisted the disruption means it is unable operate the service, which runs through Leytonstone, Leyton and Walthamstow, on time once every 10 minutes.

But campaigners from the group Save Our Buses, have slammed the move, claiming it is bid to save cash. 

John Darnell, of Save Our Buses, said: “Many passengers are being hit twice.

"They are waiting longer at stops in the freezing weather and when their bus finally arrives they are being delayed by roadworks.

"There was no need for TFL to cut the frequency on this busy route.

"The timetable may be temporary but the works are long term. Passengers will be left waiting, who knows how long, for a decent service on the 58.

"Instead of penny-pinching and unnecessary cuts there’s an alternative route. TfL could restore the full 58 bus schedule and look at how the disruption can be better managed."

Save Our Buses was formed in 1990 when London bus chiefs axed the 55 and 38 services linking Leyton and Oxford Circus.

Following a campaign supported by thousands of Waltham Forest residents for bus lanes and a route into the West End, the 55 bus was reinstated in 1997.

A TfL spokesman said: "There are several extensive road works schemes in the area which are lengthening the time it takes for a bus to complete its route.

"To allow for this and keep the service reliable on and on time, we are currently running five buses an hour instead of six. 

"That means an extra minute’s wait on average, and we will keep the arrangement under review."