Bus service offer rejected by bosses

Bus passengers in the Black Country today claimed they had been left stranded after an offer to replace their old bus service was rejected by transport chiefs.

The 639 service between Darlaston and Wednesbury was scrapped a year ago and Walsall Community Transport came forward offering to run a once-a-week service to help passengers who still want to make the journey. But Centro has thrown out the idea, dashing the hopes of elderly residents in Kings Hill who say they now struggle to get out and about.

Not-for-profit Walsall Community Transport was prepared to run a minibus for £32.50-a-day to help people along Darlaston Road who no longer have a service running past their homes.

The nearest other bus, the number 79, turns off at Woden Road West, leaving elderly people to walk up a hill to get home.

Darlaston councillor Chris Bott said: "There are a lot of elderly residents. Since the 639 was taken off they have to walk to and from Woden Road West for the bus."

Julie Bosley, aged 59, of Forge Street, said: "A lot of people relied on that bus, there is a real need for it."

Doreen Laban, 67, of Parklands Road, added: "We are in the middle of nowhere and those who can't get the bus are stranded."

Centro spokeswoman Babs Coombes said the bus service had been axed due to low use and said there is limited funding available that did not meet the criteria for a bus to be put back on.

But she said a ring and ride service is available for people with concessionary passes.