PARENTS are fearing for their children's safety after Redditch middle school pupils have been repeatedly left by bus drivers in the town centre after school, writes Melina Cannon.

Peter and Jennifer Purnell said drivers had refused to take the usual route from Dingleside Middle School three times since September, turning right towards Woodrow Centre rather than left towards Wishaw Close.

Mr and Mrs Purnell received £15 compensation from First Midland Red after their daughter was left stranded for the second time.

They said youngsters were "stressed and upset" and had to wait until they saw someone they knew to ask for money to get home.

Mr Purnell said the third time, last Wednesday, another parent realised what had happened and immediately drove to collect four of the children.

First Midland Red commercial manager Austin Birks said the company had been made aware of the problem and made sure each driver had followed the specified route since Wednesday.