CONCERNS have been raised about overcrowding on a bus service which is leading to Wrexham schoolchildren being left stranded.

County Councillor for Brymbo Paul Rogers, who also represents the village of Tanyfron, has raised concerns with bus operator Arriva after residents including - college students and school children - were said to have been left stranded due to the overcrowded number 14 service from Wrexham to Bymbo.

The dispute revolves around the areas of Tanyfron, New Broughton and Southsea - which currently have an hourly bus service (number 14) meaning that many residents going to college, school or work have been affected.

It is mostly affecting students who attend Ysgol Clywedog but do not live in an area which makes them eligible for free school transport.

And Cllr Rogers said he has received numerous complains from residents on the matter and has written to Arriva.

Cllr Rogers said: "I have been inundated with complaints from residents and have written to Arriva expressing concern about the current situation which has not only affected residents living in Tanyfron but also Southsea and New Broughton."

The Leader:

Cllr Paul Rogers

"The recent road works affecting the timetable to Brymbo may have contributed however there is clearly a need at peak times for additional services to and from the area especially with new housing developments which have taken place over recent years.

"This overcrowding is not only unfair on bus users but also the drivers.

"It's reasonable to say the demand is there for it to be commercially viable to increase the size of the vehicle or the frequency at this time."

An Arriva spokesperson said: “We are aware of some issues being experienced by the users of the 14 service. This is partially due to the recent roadworks on Station Road which have caused a knock-on effect to some of our peak-time journeys.

"We are committed to improving our local network and offering the reliable and quality service expected of us, and are keen to work alongside Cllr Rogers to ensure we are able to do this. Should any customers continue to endure any ongoing problems, we would ask them to contact us directly with the full details of their journeys so that we can thoroughly investigate.”