A group of Chadwell Heath pensioners who have been “stranded” without a permanent bus stop for more than two years have stepped up their campaign ahead of a Redbridge Council meeting.

The residents of retirement complexes in Cunningham Close and Rosewood Court demanded a bus stop be reinstated in Chadwell Heath Lane earlier this year and are awaiting a decision at Monday’s area five committee meeting.

Rosewood Court resident Albert Smith, a 92-year-old war veteran, has written a poem entitled Give Us Back Our Independence on the issue.

The nearest stop, outside West View Cottages, was removed in January 2011 by Transport for London after warnings that parked cars were forcing buses to stop in the middle of the road.

A new pilot stop was installed outside Cunningham Close in October but was withdrawn after complaints from residents.

There is now no southbound stop between Little Heath and 199 Chadwell Heath Lane.

Cllr Andy Walker has met the residents with council transport officers.