WORCESTER’S park and ride buses will stop at every stop along their routes for the rest of the week after a woman complained one left her standing in the snow.

Louise Neel was stranded in Worcester city centre on Monday about 5pm because both Diamond and First bus companies had stopped running their services due to the bad weather and dangerous driving conditions.

So Ms Neel decided to walk back to her mother’s house on Checkett’s Lane, off Ombersley Road, from Foregate Street, where she had been waiting at a bus stop with more than 40 other people.

The 51-year-old began the long walk in the freezing and treacherous snow – and was delighted when she spotted a park and ride bus approaching in the distance.

But – even though she was waiting at a bus stop – the bus sailed past.

When Ms Neel called Worcestershire County Council yesterday to complain, she was told the drivers had to stick to their assigned stops along the route between the city centre and Sixways stadium – which include St Stephen’s Church, St George’s Square and the grammar school.

Ms Neel admits she was not standing at one of these stops but questioned the common sense of the bus drivers who left her in the cold.

“It was just so shocking,” she said. “If you see someone waiting for the bus in those conditions, the driver should stop. They were the only buses which were running. I just think it is absolutely atrocious they were still sticking to their designated stops.”

A council spokesman said: “The park and ride service is only registered to serve certain stops along its route. With this in mind it is unclear whether the driver in question saw the lady as she was not standing at a park and ride stop.

“As we appreciate cancellations have caused travel issues for the public, the council has now arranged for the service to serve all stops along its route for at least the remainder of this week.

“Unfortunately the weather means some bus services have been cancelled or amended, therefore we strongly advise people to keep up-to-speed with the latest travel information which can be found on the county council’s website as well as via local media channels including newspapers and radio.

“As ever, our advice to residents is not to venture out unless absolutely necessary in winter conditions.”

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