A BURFORD man, whose 17-year-old daughter was turned off a Yarranton bus and left stranded in Worcester, has been compensated by the firm.

His daughter, Stacey Higgins, is studying at Worcester College and has a day bus pass which includes Saturday travel.

On Saturday, October 25, she decided to stay on to shop with friends, but when she tried to board the 5.50pm bus to Tenbury the driver accused her of "trying to get a free ride" and told her to "get off and walk home".

Her father, John Higgins, told The Advertiser: "Stacey has a legitimate pass which she can use on Saturdays.

"She had no cash to pay the fare and offered to leave her name and address, but he still refused to let her travel.

"She couldn't phone home because public boxes had been vandalised. Then three youths accosted her demanding money and tried to snatch her bag, leaving her shocked and badly shaken up."

A market trader gave her 40 pence for a phone call and she eventually contacted her mother, a non-driver, to send someone to collect her.

Mr Higgins said: "When you read what can happen to young women and girls left to fend for themselves, it is terrifying. Worcester isn't a very safe place."

After an admission by Yarranton's that the incident should never have happened, Stacey received an apology and compensation of £50 as a gesture of goodwill.

Company director Mark Yarranton told The Advertiser: "We contacted Worcestershire County Council, who confirmed that in some cases Saturday passes were issued. As regards the matter of compensation, Mr Higgins asked for it but would not put a figure to his request.

"We offered Stacey £50, they both seemed happy with the situation and we shook hands and we thought we had dealt with it. We are deeply sorry for the upset we have caused, and all our drivers have been instructed to contact me if a similar situation should arise."