AS TRANSPORT chiefs try to get more commuters to use public transport it has been revealed a busy bus stop is out of action – blocked by parked cars.

For some time bus drivers have struggled to pick up passengers at the stop at Mills Hill train station, heading towards Oldham, as drivers use the concourse as an overflow car park before heading off to catch a train

Unfortunately this blocks the road for buses to drive up to the stop – even though the lay-by has been specially designed for vehicles to pull off the main road, providing a safer place for them to pull over.

Bosses at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) have now decided to close the bus stop to services, 58, 59, 64 and 419. Drivers have been instructed to carry on to the next available stop instead.

This decision has left many elderly passengers upset and angry as some struggle to walk even a short distance. Adding to the length of their journey is too much for some.

Pensioner, Joyce Wright, who lives in Norman Street and uses the bus stop regularly, said: "I am not a very good walker and I will struggle to get to the next bus stop. It is not just me – other people can’t walk that far either and that bit extra walking makes all the difference. I know it is hard for the buses to get in sometimes with all the cars parked in the way but it is not fair for the passengers to suffer. I hope something gets sorted soon."

GMPTE have put a notice informing passengers of the changes to bus services in Middleton Bus Sation.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTEs interim service delivery director, said: "The number of parked cars outside Mills Hill train station is causing problems for some buses travelling towards Oldham. We are working with First Manchester, Oldham Council and Northern Rail to find a permanent resolution to this problem. In the meantime, we are planning to provide a temporary bus stop near to the station."