A BUS company has been forced to change a popular route after customers complained they were being given a bumpy ride.

Darwen Coach Services is attempting to avoid dozens of speed humps created during the last few months as part of a major traffic calming scheme in Sudell, Darwen.

The worst affected service, between the town centre and Birch Hall, has been permanently changed and buses no longer go along Olive Lane.

Owner John Dearden made the decision after receiving a barrage of telephone complaints about roller coaster-style journeys.

He said: "I decided to test it out myself and couldn't believe it when I was thrown out of my seat along the worst sections where there are three or four humps. We just couldn't carry on.

"The drivers were going at the correct speed yet the journey was enough to make you sick.

"Everybody is happy with the change, especially the people who now get the bus going along their streets."

Sudell councillor Eileen Entwistle, who pushed for the traffic calming measures to be introduced, said: "Other bus companies go along that route and I have never had any other complaints.

"I have been on a bus along Olive Lane recently and although I admit it was bumpy, but I believe it only gets uncomfortable if drivers go too fast over them.

"I stand by the measures because if they save one life they will have been worth it."

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