There may be two roads off the island, but one Canvey mother felt well and truly stranded.

Tracy Oliver, 23, from Korndyk Avenue, was hoping to spend yesterday in Southend with her 20-month old baby girl Shelise after taking her two young sons to school.

Stranded - Tracy Oliver says she cannot get on ordinary buses with her daughter because of the buggy Picture: TERENCE BUNCH

Her plans were scuppered though, after she waited for an hour and no buses going in that direction with low-rise floors came along.

Tracy, who cannot drive, said: "I completely rely on those buses.

"I was planning on going to my mum's in Westcliff and she was going to take me and my baby girl into Southend.

"Four buses going in that direction came by but none had the low-rise doors that mean I can get the buggy on."

Chris McCormick, spokesman for Thamesway buses, was surprised to hear of Tracy's troubles.

He said: "We have just introduced 21 new low-rise buses, most of which are operating from Canvey.

"If she would like to write to me, I will happily advise her on what buses she needs to get and where she could get one with low-rise floors from."

Published Friday, June 20, 2003

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