In a Commons early day motion the MP for Bristol East, Kerry McCarthy lashed out at the move condemning the proposal to cut the grant.

She says it puts the whole future of the existing local rail services into doubt, and called on the city council to reverse its decision rather than reverting to a replacement bus service along the route from December.

Bristol has one of the highest car ownership rates in the country - with only London traffic moving more slowly.

Friends of suburban Bristol railways (FOSBR) have fought a long battle to keep the line open - and have campaigned for increased services in the past.

They say the line - once forgotten by British Rail - may have been constructed at the start of the steam age and has a mile long tunnel hewn out of solid rock. It has been estimated that the line would cost over £100 million pounds to construct today.

The train is well used by pupils from Cotham Grammar School, Fairfield School and St Mary's School, Redcliffe.

Many local businesses and facilities including Bristol University, Radio Bristol, Bristol Zoo and Sainsbury's Supermarket are all near Clifton Down Station, while many sports centres, gyms and swimming pools are within walking distance of Avonmouth, Montpelier and Lawrence Hill stations.

Kerry McCarthy's House of Commons motion states:

"This House condemns the decision by Liberal Democrat councillors on Bristol City Council to recommend ending financial support for local rail services on the Severn Beach railway line in Bristol by cutting the entire £138,000 rail support grant from the local authority transport budget."

"This decision puts the future of existing local rail services into doubt at a time when rail users are crying out for an expansion of local rail services."

So far her motion has been backed by 11 other MPs.