BUS passengers have been left frustrated due to months of disruption to a route through Wanstead and Woodford because of Olympics preparations.

Complaints have been pouring in about frequent lateness, delays and terminations of the W14 service, which runs between Woodford Bridge and Leyton via Wanstead and South Woodford.

It is believed problems throughout the route have been caused by roadworks in Ruckholt Road Leyton, where a new footbridge is being built for the games. Passengers have reported the bus stopping halfway through its scheduled journey, leaving passengers stranded short of their destination.

Sheila Banks, 77, of Broadmead Road, Woodford Green, relies on the W14 to get about.

She said: "Last Saturday I was waiting at the bus stop at Sainsbury's in South Woodford for three quarters of an hour before a bus arrived.

"I have also been on the bus before where it has stopped and the driver has asked passengers to get off, but we refused and waited on the bus until the next one arrived."

Rosalind Barder, 69, of Torrington Road, South Woodford, uses the service two or three times a week and has frequently been asked to leave the bus, which was then turned around.

She was among a group of passengers who were recently dropped off at the Charlie Brown roundabout in South Woodford.

Mrs Barder said: "We heard on the driver's radio: 'when you get to Charlie Brown, ask people to get off, have your rest and turn around'.

"To say I was amused is not the word. It is diabolical."

The twenty passengers on the bus were asked to get off and wait for the next bus, which took about 10 minutes to arrive.

Roding Ward Cllr Gwyneth Deakins has received several complaints from bus users about the poor service on the route.

She said: "I understand they have to keep the service regular but it seems they are keen to get people off at Charlie Brown's roundabout.

"People have to wait for the next bus to continue their journey and could be stranded for long periods."

She urged Transport for London to improve the service quickly as it is the elderly and disabled who suffer most from an inadequate service.

Mike Weston, Operations Director London Buses at TfL said: “Transport for London is aware that work to build a new footbridge for the Olympics in Ruckholt Road, Leyton has been causing disruption and delays to traffic along that route.

"This work, which began late last year, has also affected the W14 bus route.

"In order to maintain as regular a service as possible for all passengers during this time, buses have sometimes needed to turn around short of their intended destination.

"Turning buses short of their destination is often the only way in which we can maintain a regular service along the whole route.

"We would like to apologise to passengers for any inconvenience caused during this time and thank them for their patience.

"Works have almost been completed and the service should very shortly return to normal.”

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