An angry mother today said her daughter was kicked off her bus home so the driver could have his lunch.
Laura Royle and her friend, Sarah Gibbs, both 11, were travelling from Head Street, in Colchester town centre, to their homes in Mile End after a shopping trip.
When they reached North Station, they were the only passengers left on the bus and it was running late so the driver asked them to get off there, it has been claimed.
Under cover - Sarah Gibbs and Laura Royle, both 11, who were allegedly told to get off a bus before it had reached its destination. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK
Laura's mother, Jane Carter, said he turned to the schoolgirls and told them to get off because he was running late and wanted to go for his lunch.
The stranded girls had mobile phones and called their parents for a lift home but, because of traffic delays, were left standing around, fearful, for some time.
Miss Carter, 37, said: "The girls were distressed about it and felt very vulnerable.
"They did not have any money. They felt very alone and very scared."
The 65a First bus had been delayed by heavy traffic and was about halfway through the journey the girls had paid for when it stopped.
First's divisional manager Lee Berry said there had been delays to that service because of roadworks, but said the company did not expect its staff to turn off passengers, whatever age they were.
He said the incident was being investigated and action would be taken.
Published Friday October 18, 2002
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