CHILDREN and pensioners were left stranded in Worcester city centre as three buses failed to turn up at CrownGate station, it has been claimed.

The number 30 buses were scheduled to leave the station between 6.40 and 8.15pm and travel to Dines Green on Wednesday night, but each failed to show without notice or explanation.

It left residents of the area stranded, having to walk home or pay taxi fares.

People who work in the city centre at night were late getting to work from Dines Green too, reportedly.

St John's county councillor Richard Udall says he received a number of complaints about the unfulfilled routes, and that passengers deserve a better service.

The failed services were scheduled for 6.40pm, 7.15pm and 8.15pm it is understood.

He said: "It is not the first time this has happened, it appears that for whatever reason the Dines Green bus is the first to be cancelled, isolating the estate from the rest of the city.

"Not only did it prevent residents from getting home it also stopped residents from getting into Worcester from Dines Green, making some late to work."

The cllr is calling on operator First Bus to improve the service.

"Budget cuts have already reduced the evening bus service to Dines Green, further isolation caused by the remaining buses not turning up is not good enough.

"Nobody was available to explain why or to help residents get home, the passenger paying public from Dines Green deserves a better service and one upon which they can trust, near enough is not good enough.

"First Bus must improve their service" he said.

First Bus says a spate of illness to its drivers was the reason the buses didn't turn up.

A spokesman for the company said: "There was a spate of sickness and left us without drivers for these routes.

"It was a one off and we apologise to the customers."

First Bus is also under the spotlight in Malvern after it was announced that services will be cut.

It affects routes in Malvern Wells, Welland and the Hanleys.

A petition has been started by councillor Tom Wells, and has so far attracted more than 500 supporters.

To view the petition visit change.org