CONCERNED Barry residents have hit out at a bus company, they say is putting disabled children's lives at risk.

Homeowners living in Dylan Crescent and Elfed Way, have long battled with the Vale of Glamorgan Council over the wide grass verges, which become churned up when vehicles drive over them.

But they insist that since Septem-ber 2003, when the contract to collect special education needs children from the area was given to a new company, the problem has grown.

Former maintenance engineer Anthony Voysey, 56, lives on the corner of Crwys Lane, where the mud dislodged from the verge is a constant nightmare.

He said: "We've suggested to the council that the verges are reduced and parking spaces put in instead, and nothing was done, but when this minibus started coming through and couldn't pass parked cars, it went up over the verge. The mess, especially when it rains, is incredible.

"I've had to shovel it off the road to stop cars from skidding. I'm afraid this will happen to the minibus, carrying children. There's no need for the bus to come through Elfed Way, it can drive around Dylan Crescent."

But Bridgend-based firm Easyway insist that the situation was resolved over a week ago. A spokesman for the company said: "We were contacted by a resident who explained this situation to us. Our driver was forced to mount the verge to pass two parked cars, which were not taxed, and therefore had no right to be on the public highway.

"When I was informed there was an alternative route, the driver in question looked into it and has been taking the longer way around since."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council highways' maintenance division spokesman said he was unaware of the situation regarding the grass verges, but would ensure that it was investigated.