In years past Sunday might have been a day of rest but now it’s much more a day of recreation.

And more than 1,800 residents living along the 354 bus route between Bromley and Penge have signed a petition demanding a Sunday service.

The 354 bus serves communities from Anerley Park to Ravensbourne that are remote from other routes from Monday to Saturday.

The route provides residents with links to Penge Post Office, Beckenham Crematorium and Ravensbourne Station, to name a few.

Beckenham resident Jo Hawkins, aged 50, of Foxgrove Road, has signed the petition as she relies on the bus service because she walks with crutches.

She told News Shopper: “I can’t walk long distances so the 354 is handy for me. It’s miles to walk to a shop and I can’t drive.

“It’s silly that the service doesn’t run on Sundays. It’s my only means of being able to get out.

"If the petition was successful, I wouldn’t feel such a prisoner on a Sunday.

“I just hate Sundays because to me that is the day I can’t go anywhere. It’s just the feeling that I can’t go out. I like to be as independent as I can.”

Bus driver Steve Sholl hopes 2,000 people will sign the petition before December 6 when it will be submitted to Transport for London.

The 61-year-old said: “It’s a mile away for some residents from any other bus route. On a Sunday, you more or less can’t go out. It’s the choice of a long walk or staying at home.

“The elderly and less physically able have no choice of course; they are forced to stay in.”

Mr Sholl, who works at Catford Garage, is part of new group Passengers First which campaigns to improve bus services for passengers across London.

Residents can sign the petition at several shops and newsagents along the route or visit www.petitions24.com/354_on_sunday.