BEWILDERED passengers want bus drivers to put a stop to their transport confusion in Middlewich.

As reported in the Guardian in November, residents were assured there was still a bus stop outside the Victoria Buildings, in Lewin Street, despite the sign going missing.

But since then, while some drivers are aware it is an official stop, there are other drivers who have refused to stop there and some who just stop to let passengers off.

Mike Parsons, town councillor and deputy borough mayor, said: "The sign has gone missing but that's not unusual in the world of buses.

"There are official stops without a sign but all drivers know where they are unless they are new, but then they are supposed to go out with an experienced person so they can see where everything is - I can say that as an ex-bus man."

He added: "Some bus drivers are saying there's not a stop there and if they have stopped it's out of the kindness of their hearts - but other drivers are saying there's always been a bus stop there.

"Some drivers now believe there's a stop there for people to get off only but not to pick up - and all this started to happen because of the sign that's gone missing."

Clr Parsons has spoken to staff at Arriva and asked that they make sure all drivers know there is a stop on Lewin Street that should be used.

He has also been assured that Cheshire County Council is aware of the missing sign and it will be replaced in the near future.

He said: "As far as passengers are concerned it is an official stop for both getting on and off and I have an agreement with Arriva so if any driver refuses to pick up or drop off we need to let Arriva know."