BUS drivers are refusing to pull over at a Worcester stop because it is now too 'dangerous', sparking anger from elderly passengers.

The bus stop in Brickfields Road was axed to make way for a zebra crossing - and now the elderly passengers are fighting to get it back.

READ MORE: Police and immigration raid at suspected 'brothel'

READ MORE: Workmen drilled holes in my window and now my lounge is like a fridge

Their cause has been taken up by Cllr Lynn Denham, a Labour councillor for Cathedral Ward and a county councillor for Rainbow Hill, who is demanding it be reinstated to preserve access to the community centre.

However, bosses at First Buses and highways chiefs say it would be dangerous for drivers to stop on or near the crossing - although they say they are in talks to try and find a solution.

One passenger, who declined to be named, demanded the 'phantom' bus stop be reinstated. "We want our bus stop back!" said the 76-year-old from Warndon.

She uses the No 35 to get to and from the KGV Community Hub where she has been going for 15 years.

The woman said some of the people who use the bus stop are in their 80s and have problems with mobility and poor eyesight.

The nearest stops, she said, are near the bridge towards Astwood Road or much further up the hill in the opposite direction.

"The drivers look at you - but they just carry on. I saw one driver shaking his head as if to say 'we're not a taxi service'.

"They won't stop when we're trying to get on the bus and they won't stop when we're trying to get off. I don't think they'd stop even if we showed a bit of leg."

Richard Chinnock, operations manager for First Worcester, said: "We’re not able to stop on the crossing or ‘zig zag’ lines and stopping before or after would present a hazard to other road users. We remain in discussions with Worcestershire County Council regarding siting a replacement stop, but until this is resolved we’re unfortunately unable to stop in this location."

There is a bus stop sign on the park side of Brickfields Road, but not on the opposite side says Cllr Denham.

She added: "There used to be a bus stop on both sides of the road. Because Brickfields Road is really busy, it's not easy for pedestrians to cross."

Cllr Denham said: "Residents are completely fed-up about it and really angry. The zebra crossing was put in place to make it easier for them to get to the community centre - and now they can't get the bus to stop," she said.

County councillor Mike Rouse, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “The crossing was installed to improve road safety, and it would jeopardise safety if a bus stops too close to the crossing."

He added that they were confident a solution can be found.