PASSENGERS believe Alcester's buses are dirty, uncomfortable and difficult to board - but the service still gets seven out of 10 in a new survey.

About 50 bus users aired their views on the service in a survey conducted by Oversley Green resident and councillor Nina Knapman, with the help of the Chronicle.

The project came after Warwickshire County Council's planning, transport and economics department asked for input about bus services across the county.

Each year, the county asks for details about the services and about a quarter of all suggestions will be put into action, tailoring a service to parishioners' needs.

The survey showed residents wanted cleaner, more comfortable buses which were more accessible.

Mrs Knapman received comments such as: "The 146-246 to Birmingham is an uncomfortable ride. No wonder no one uses it."

Another was: "The buses are not as clean as they used to be - but dirty passengers are largely to blame." And: "Better buses and not old coaches which people find hard to get on."

Alcester's elderly said the walking distance to and from the nearest bus stop was too far and bus usage depended on closeness of stops.

Residents also asked for more regular buses, as well as easily available timetables.

Despite the negative comments, the service still got an overall rating of seven out of 10.

A four-point plan has been drawn up. To encourage people who work to use bus services, more peak-time travel services are needed with sensible connections.

More publicity of stops, services, routes - either as door-to-door flyers or published regularly in local press - may also encourage greater usage.

The use of a minibus scheme could help elderly residents. Bus comfort and cleanliness is also a priority.

Mrs Knapman said: "Hopefully the council will take the suggestions into consideration and make changes so more people use buses."