Pensioners condemn 'patronising' bus-stop

A group of pensioners who campaigned for a bench next to a bus-stop have been left angry and bemused after it was built facing away from the road in case they tripped and fell.

Council chiefs were worried that elderly passengers would stumble and topple over into the road in the scramble to board a bus so they installed the metal bench facing a 10-foot high hedge.

Passengers waiting at the stop now have to constantly crane their necks round to make sure they see the bus coming.



Officials from Stoke-on-Trent City Council made the decision because some elderly commuters were "unsteady on their feet". Some locals have branded them "health and safety Nazis".

A council spokesman said: "The bench was put in this position because it was thought to be less dangerous and more cost-effective. We are aware of the complaints and will be liaising with local residents to try and reach a compromise."

But a spokesman for Age Concern said: "This is extremely patronising."