MYSTERY still surrounds the status of a Middlewich bus stop despite efforts to help passengers know exactly where they stand.

Residents used to catching a bus outside the Victoria Buildings, in Lewin Street, complained that some drivers refused to stop there or just let people off.

Mike Parsons, a town councillor and deputy borough mayor, said confusion came about because the bus stop sign went missing but now doubt has been cast over whether there ever was an official stop.

A Cheshire County Council spokesman said: "We believe there was never a bus stop at that location, however drivers used to stop there because many people in the area wanted to get on and off - it was never formally marked."

A spokesman for Arriva said: "There is still some confusion as to whether there was a stop there in the past - we think there was and certainly buses used to stop there until there were roadworks and the sign was taken away."

He added: "We need to do our own risk assessment just to make sure it will be safe then we'll make a decision about whether to reinstate it or not."

Clr Parsons said: "I'm absolutely livid. There's always been a bus stop there, evidenced by the fact that there was a sign that went missing. All the locals will tell you there's always been a bus stop there."