THE battle to solve Worcester's chronic traffic problems has reached a new intensity recently. Never before has there been such determination to tackle the twin-headed monster of congestion and pollution in our city.

Indeed, we are encouraged by initial reports that seem to indicate the new Worcester Express buses are a success.

And the renewed debate about park-and-ride will, we hope, arrive at a sensible and satisfactory conclusion.

So everything in the garden's lovely. Or is it?

Sadly, no. For we report today that children are sometimes being left stranded at a city bus stop because the buses that take them to school are overcrowded.

This is surely the worst possible message to parents who are genuinely trying to beat gridlock by leaving cars at home.

A spokesman for First tells us that the company is looking at a number of options to address the issue.

Sorry, but this really isn't good enough. The task of any enterprise is to assess a need and then to meet it. It would appear this has not happened.

First has apparently not done its homework - or could it be a case of the right hand not knowing what the left's doing?

There are also health and safety considerations. Being late for school is one thing, but our concern is that a child left to his or her own devices could be at risk.

First's promise to look at options is all very well. But we need action - and sooner, not later.