CHILDREN being bussed to school from Powick to Malvern are being caught up in "a recipe for disaster" because of overcrowding, claims a county councillor.

Coun Tom Wells said concerned parents have called on him to help provide a safer route to Dyson Perrins School after their children voiced concerns over the route.

"It is a disgrace and very dangerous," said Coun Wells.

"The bus starts in Worcester, goes to Callow End and is full by the time it gets to Powick.

"It means these youngsters have to stand up on a packed bus for about 20 minutes every day and this is a recipe for disaster - especially on the busy A449."

Coun Wells said he believed the bus company, First Midland Red, should provide a bigger bus than the single decker the firm currently supplies.

"The bus company can argue that they are allowed to have up to 24 standing, but this case is different, and at the moment there must be about 20.

"These children are not supervised by an adult and it is dangerous for the children and the driver."

Coun Wells said he had taken the issue up with Worcestershire County Council's school transport officer, who promised to investigate.

"The county council has a duty of care," he said.

Assistant cabinet member for environment, sustainability and transport John Smith said a school transports officer has travelled on the bus this week and agreed another bus was needed.

"It is not dangerous, but it is certainly a problem that we are looking at," he said.

"It's not purely a school bus and can get very packed and it is unsatisfactory."

Austin Birks, spokesman for First Midland Red, was researching a comment as the Evening News went to press today.