A GRANDMOTHER has slammed a bus driver for not allowing her daughter-in-law and her two-week-old baby on a bus.

Suzanne Hall, 20, of Longfield Avenue, Coppull, tried to catch an Arriva bus at Clancutt Lane to take her into Chorley on Thursday morning.

Her mother-in-law, Ena Fairbrother, 46, of Mavis Drive, Coppull, said: "The bus driver opened the doors, said 'I don't think so', then shut them and drove off.

"He didn't even bother to explain why he wouldn't let her on the bus, never mind apologise. There was plenty of room on the bus so there was no reason for him to take that attitude."

She said Suzanne is quite shy and didn't say anything at the time because she didn't want to cause a fuss. Suzanne then walked three miles to the market where Ena works to show off baby Jak.

Shortly after the incident Ena contacted the customer care desk at Arriva Buses who told her it was at the driver's discretion as to who he allowed on the bus.

Arriva marketing manager Derek Bowes told The Citizen: "Entry with pushchairs has to be at the driver's discretion for safety reasons.

"There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account, such as the size of the buggy, the amount of space available, and whether the location of the buggy inside the bus is likely to be safe for the child and the other passengers."

He said the firm was looking into why Suzanne was refused entry and added: "We apologise to the lady concerned for any difficulty or embarrassment that may have been caused."