A BUS operator is reviewing CCTV footage following complaints from angry parents that a group of first year high school children were left "stranded" on the side of a busy main road.

It is alleged that a Stagecoach driver refused to allow the Helsby High School pupils to board one of its services as they tried to make their way home last week.

Gary Worthington, whose 11-year-old daughter was among the group, told The Standard the driver told them they couldn't get on the bus because it was full.

But he claims there was 16 empty seats on the service and that passengers were picked up at the next stop.

Stagecoach confirmed it was in the process of reviewing its CCTV and speaking to the driver involved to determine whether there was available capacity.

Mr Worthington said: "My daughter has just moved up to Helsby High School a couple of weeks ago and uses their service to get from Elton to school.

"Today (September 16) around 7-10 of her friends were refused entry onto the homeward journey by a Stagecoach bus driver.

"Starting a new school is hard enough but being worried about how you're getting home for an 11 year old is terrifying."

READ: Bus operator apologises after driver refuses to allow Chester schoolchildren to board service

Another parent contacted The Standard to say: "A number of Year 7 pupils from Helsby High School were left stranded today (September 16) after the bus driver refused to let them on stating the bus was full.

"There were at least 16 more seats. Children were left at the side of the A56, a busy main road, most of which have never used public transport on their own before and are now very anxious about using it again."

A spokesperson for Merseyside and South Lancashire said: "We are reviewing the CCTV from the bus and also speaking to the driver involved to determine whether there was available capacity on this particular service.

"Our drivers are expected to continually monitor the number of passengers travelling and ensure that we are using all the capacity available on the bus.

"However, there may be instances where the bus becomes full and we will unfortunately be unable to carry any further passengers. At these times, passengers will be advised to travel on the next service.

"We will continue to work with Cheshire West and Chester Council around the arrangements for travel and review whether there is sufficient capacity on this route."