Residents frustrated as buses cancelled every day

PERTH residents say they have been left feeling “vulnerable” and fearing for their jobs as scores of Stagecoach buses are being cancelled every day.

The Perth-based firm insists it is working to employ more staff.

Caira Martin, a social care officer, said: “The buses have had most services cancelled for a few weeks now, and with the work I do, getting to and from work is essential as I work in social care and have to support people.

“I would walk, but sadly as a lone woman at night I don’t feel safe doing that.”

Bus user Betty Johnson, 69, said: “It’s putting me off going out and about which isn’t what I want.

“I have always been really independent, and this is taking that away.”

Mikey MacKay, 38, said: “It’s frustrating, especially with the trains also being an issue at the minute.

“I understand that driver shortages can’t be helped, but something needs to be done.

“This is really disrupting people’s daily lives.”

Carse of Gowrie councillor Alasdair Bailey said: “We need to keep the buses running well if we’re to both tackle climate change and help folk out in this current cost-of-living crisis.

“Otherwise, I worry that folk will give up on the bus and buy more cars as a result of the low reliability – and then it’s a number of years before you can tempt that person back to the bus.”

Bus services in Fife and Angus, along with some running through Dundee, are also being affected.

A spokesman for Stagecoach East Scotland said: “We are continuing to run more than 99% of our services as normal and where services are impacted, we will let people know through our website and Twitter with as much notice as possible.

“We are actively recruiting for trainee and qualified bus drivers and also have a number of drivers progressing through our training school at present. It’s vital to take the time to ensure all new drivers reach the high level of professional standards we expect.”

TESCO supermarkets in Tayside are running out of Heinz products due to a row over pricing.

The Tele found empty shelves in every Tesco visited yesterday afternoon.

It emerged on Wednesday that Heinz has paused supply to the UK’s biggest supermarket chain.

The major companies have disagreed over terms with Tesco stating it is looking to ensure “best possible value” for cash-strapped customers.

Stocks are now running low on products such as Heinz baked beans, tomato ketchup and soup.

At the largest Tesco on Kingsway regular Heinz tomato ketchup is out of stock in all sizes.

Some reduced calorie options are available.

Four flavours of Heinz soup are out of stock.

There are also gaps for certain sizes of baked beans though packs of four tins are available.

Tesco Riverside in Dundee still has most items, though stocks are running low.

There’s been a run on chicken noodle soup, which is out of stock.

At Dundee’s South Road, it’s the Heinz salad cream that’s missing from its usual place.

Meanwhile in Tesco Monifieth there is no stock of certain sizes of ketchup and beans.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “With household budgets under increasing pressure, now more than ever we have a responsibility to ensure customers get the best possible value, and we will not pass on unjustifiable price increases to our customers.

“We’re sorry this means some products aren’t available right now, but we have plenty of alternatives to choose from and we hope to have this issue resolved soon.”

Kraft Heinz says it is working closely with Tesco to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

A spokesperson said: “We always look at how we can provide value through price, size and packs so consumers can enjoy the products they love and trust at a price point that works within their budgets, without compromising on quality.

“We are confident of a positive resolution with Tesco.”