OUTRAGED bus passengers whose stop was moved to a new location without seats or a shelter have forced a U-turn from council bosses.

Last week The Press highlighted the plight of pensioners using the number 24 and number 26 bus services between York city centre and Fulford.

They were furious that they no longer had protection from the wind and rain as they waited for their bus in Piccadilly.

Transport bosses at City of York Council told The Press they were unable to put up a shelter because the new location of the stop was on a bridge – and said they would not be looking for an alternative site.

Passengers were so angry with this decision they demanded a site meeting with one of the council’s transport planners, Paul Brand.

On Wednesday, more than 30 passengers – including one pensioner in her 90s – descended on the bus stop to meet with Mr Brand.

Peter Richardson, who organised the meeting, said Mr Brand listened to all their comments and agreed to look into the possibility of finding an alternative location, where a shelter could be erected.

Mr Richardson, 65, of Fulford, said: “I couldn’t believe how many people turned up for the meeting – it just goes to show how strongly passengers feel about this.

“A lot of elderly people use the service and they need somewhere to sit down that is sheltered from the wind and rain.”

The stop was moved last November in an effort to ease congestion at its previous location behind the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, where the number 8 Park&Ride service to Grimston Bar continues to stop.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: “Following feedback from passengers, we have agreed to look into the possibility of moving the stop closer to its original position and to a site where a bus shelter could be located. This will be dependent on whether it is logistically possible and on the funding available.”

Coun Ruth Potter, Labour spokesperson for transport, said: “This is good news because it was getting difficult for a lot of older people to stand up with no shelter waiting for their bus.”

Coun Andy D’Agorne, leader of the Green Party, said he would do everything he could to make sure the bus stop was relocated.