ACTING star Clive Merrison is threatening to get on the buses – the campaign to save rural bus routes, that is.Seasoned actor Mr Merrison has vowed to "stand on top of the bus shouting" as he attacked the decision to cut the X99 service between Ipswich and Lowestoft– and urged the Government to fulfil its pledge to improve rural transport.

ACTING star Clive Merrison is threatening to get on the buses – the campaign to save rural bus routes, that is.

Seasoned actor Mr Merrison has vowed to "stand on top of the bus shouting" as he attacked the decision to cut the X99 service between Ipswich and Lowestoft– and urged the Government to fulfil its pledge to improve rural transport.

Bus operator First is restricting the service to trips between Lowestoft and Halesworth from October 27 – a move that has angered villagers who claim they will be isolated from essential services.

Regular bus users in Yoxford – one of the places set to be worst hit by the route's axe – have formed a group to fight for the X99's future and Mr Merrison, who lives near the village, has pledged to support their bid.

The 56-year-old actor, who has appeared in more than 40 films over the past three decades, is the new patron of the Save Our Bus Emergency Committee.

He said: "I very much think the Labour Party and the government should stand by their commitment to improve rural transport and stop cutting it.

"That's why I offered to support the campaign and I'll do whatever is required. I'll lie in front of the buses if I have to – or rather stand on top of the bus shouting."