Residents in a part of the city that has a reduced bus service during roadworks say they are “trapped” in their homes.

Eastern parts of Moulsecoomb, Brighton, are usually served by the 49 Brighton and Hove Buses service between Moulsecoomb and Portslade.

But since last Tuesday, roadworks have meant the 49 could not serve The Crescent, The Bevy Pub, Widdicombe Way or Birdham Road in the direction of Bolney Road.

It means residents living in those roads have to walk around a quarter of a mile to their nearest stop.

Valeria Richards, who lives in Moulsecoomb, said she has felt “trapped” by the lack of bus services near her home.

The 87-year-old, who suffers with leukaemia and kidney trouble, normally catches the 49 bus to Bevendean daily to see her husband who is in a care home there.

But because of the diversions she has been unable to walk to the further away bus stops.

“There is no information about the diversion at my bus stop,” Valerie told The Argus.

“I waited for ages before someone told me.”

Valerie said she called the bus company to complain and was told she should be able to board a 48 in Moulsecoomb Way.

But when she and five others waited the bus did not stop there.

The following day Valerie got a 48 bus and asked a driver who told her they had not been told to stop for passengers at the 49 stop.

As stops in Bevendean are not being served, Valerie has been getting taxis home which have cost her over £60 so far.

“It’s just not on,” Valerie said. “I get they need to do roadworks but the bus company could have put on a shuttle service for elderly and disabled people to get to their stops. We wouldn’t mind paying a pound or so, but taxis cost £21.”

Tina March, Valerie’s daughter, said: “The works have gone on and on and are causing havoc.

“There are a lot of people who can't get out of their houses without this bus.”

Nick Hill, the commerical director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said: "Diversions happen as a result of essential maintenance work taking place in our city. When this happens we put information about the diversion on posters at bus stops, on our app and on social media to keep our passengers updated.

“On April 21, posters were put up at the bus stops in Moulsecoomb advising that the 48/49 would be unable to serve these stops due to the roadworks taking place.

A temporary bus stop was put up at The Avenue green served by the service 48 before diverting towards Brighton. Posters in the bus stops were also updated to show any changes. A temporary bus stop was put in on Moulsecoomb Way due to the distance between stops.

“We have been advised that the road will open on May 11 when our services can return to their usual routes. Whilst we are not responsible for the roadworks we do understand they are necessary for all road users including buses. As the local bus company, we do everything we can to keep our passengers updated of diversions and this information can be found at bus stops, on our app and social media.”