school pupils and college students were left “stranded” at the roadside after a double decker bus was replaced by a single decker.

Bus firm Stagecoach has apologised for any inconvenience after a Forest mum revealed that her son and others were unable to get on the full bus to attend lessons and lectures.

The operator said the use of the single decker on the busy morning route to Lakers School in Five Acres and Gloucestershire College in Cinderford was down to ‘a mistake’ in the scheduling of services.

Charlote Davies’ son Jack, 16, was among those waiting for the school and college transport at the Queensway estate in Broadwell, at 8am.

His mum said: “They sent a single decker bus past the Queensway estate to pick up schoolchildren and students going to Lakers and the college in Cinderford through Coalway and Mile End.

“It’s full when it’s a double decker, let alone a single. The week before, a girl was left at the roadside because there was no room on the double decker.

“Then they’ve sent a single decker, which is just ridiculous. 

“My son Jack is studying cyber security at Cinderford and couldn’t get on. It’s supposed to stop at the school and college, so it’s children you are talking about. 

“And if he can’t get on in Broadwell, there will be other kids further along who won’t get on.

“The driver just drives past because it’s full. And it’s unsafe as it is, they are squashed in like sardines.

“This morning, the driver let on three children, but said there was no space for the other five, including my son. 

“I tried to contact Stagecoach, and all they said was they would forward my feedback.

“My son just wants to get to college, but even the double deckers are jammed, they are having to stand, let alone the singles. Kids are just being left at the roadside. It’s ridiculous.

“My son came home saying he hadn’t got on the bus but luckily I was able to give him a lift.”

Stagecoach revised its timetables in February, but problems have been highlighted by Forest Council leader Tim Gwilliam and Gloucestershire Council vice chairman Cllr Alan Preest in the Berry Hill and Five Acres areas.

Stagecoach said in a statement: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused by what we understand to be a mistake in the scheduling during the week of September 23.

“We are investigating the circumstances but, in the meantime, have put steps in place to ensure that a double decker operates on this route during term time.”