Hertfordshire County Council has admitted its proposed cuts to bus services will leave older people "at risk of being isolated from their communities" in one of its own policy papers.

But the authority is continuing with a consultation on cutting evening and weekend services in an attempt to save £150 million in the next four years.

In a report to the adult care and health cabinet last week, the county council acknowledged that a reduced bus service "will have an impact on older people" - something opposition councillors say has been denied for months.

A paper submitted by council officers to the panel stated: "HCC’s recent consultation on reducing bus services will have an impact on older people who are dependent on public transport accessing services, particularly in areas where older people live alone or where transport links are poor and therefore people will be at risk of being isolated from their communities.

"We will review current transport commissioning arrangements in order to provide more flexible transport options and we will consider what can be done to further develop and coordinate voluntary sector transport services to create greater diversity in the market."

Opposition councillors say the Conservative-led council has been denying the impact of the proposed cuts for months.

Liberal Democrat county councillor, Kareen Hastrick, said: "Liberal Democrat councillors have been saying for the past nine months that the proposed cuts to our bus services would have a devastating impact on older people, but the Conservatives running the county council denied this.

"Now the cat is out of the bag and they have been proved to be wrong by their own officers. I urge the Conservatives to think again and drop these cuts before it is too late".

Terry Douris, cabinet member for Highways, said no decision has been made on how to proceed with the current proposals for bus services in the area.

He said: "The current consultation into the money we provide bus services is still ongoing. I would suggest anyone interested to take part by filling in the survey at www.hertsdirect.org/busconsult

"Hertfordshire County Council is facing severe pressures on its budget. Between 2010 and 2014 the county council had to reduce its budget by approximately £150m. We must take out a similar amount over the next four years. This means that all services are being reviewed for how and where we can make savings.

"The current proposals endeavour to minimise the impact on bus users, no decision has been taken on how to proceed and will be subject to rigorous analysis of the consultation feedback we receive. As part of the consultation process the council will also explore opportunities for alternatives such as community transport and the voluntary sector to provide some transport services."

The second consultation into the money the county council provides bus services is open until April 10.