A NEW bus route could endanger dog walkers and destroy one of Horley's last country lanes.
For years cyclists and walkers have used Langshott, which leads from Bonehurst Road to Tanyard Meadows, in relóative safety.
But a new bus route, planned to serve the nearby Acres development, could result in the lane becoming a thoroughfare.
New proposals on developer Barratt Homes' website allow for a bus to pass through the 500-home development and out onto Langshott through a bus gate.
Furious residents have taken swift action, and a petition against the plan already has more than 100 signatures.
"This is the only bit of green country lane left, with all the development," said Langshott resident Roger Stevens, 60, who set up the petition.
"A lot of people from the development walk along here now.
"When the sun is out there are a lot of people cycling or walking with buggies and pushchairs.
"The bus would ruin this spot."
With 130 names on the petition within the first week, the group is hoping to reach 400 to force the issue before Reigate and Banstead Borough Council.
"We want to protect this one bit of green," said resident Evy Burgess, 68.
"There is wildlife like deer and rabbits, which have lost their homes to the development.
"Everyone says the same when we tell them, 'where would we walk our dogs?'"
Currently, buses for the Acres drive up Orchard Way, go around the roundabout and back down.
But with the final phase of the housing development taking the Acres beyond Lake Lane into Tanyard Meadows, a new service is needed which can run through the complex.
"We are not against the buses," Mr Stevens added.
"We just don't want them coming through here, it's not safe and it's not sensible."
The protestors want the bus to turn around at the end of the Acres and head back past the houses.
Resident Michael Burgess, 70, added: "If they couldn't do anything else then fair enough, but they don't need to come this way."
The final stage of the Acres will include a school, shops and a retirement home, which the bus would pass on its proposed route.
The plan was given the go-ahead in 2011 and building work is currently underway.
Developer Barratt Homes and Metrobus said Surrey County Council was considering bus routes.
To sign the petition visit The Farmhouse Pub in Langshott.
