A GROUP of pensioners have been left 'upset' as they struggle to get on and off the bus that takes them to and from their 'lifeline' day centre.

The elderly residents, who live in and around Taunton, attend their weekly Monday club at St Michaels Church hall in Pitts Close.

Despite enjoying a cooked lunch and various activities, some group members find it difficult to get on and off the bus that is provided to drop them off.

They have expressed their upset, saying the step is too high with no ramp.

Audrey Winter, 90, said: "We love coming to our Monday club but it's so hard to get onto the bus.

"The step is too steep and my legs don't go up that high."

Jeff Cross, who is nearly 91, said: "I struggle to lift my legs up and it's very easy to fall back down.

"If it wasn't for the drivers helping me I'd never get on that bus.

"On a wet day that step is so slippy and it would just help if we could have a ramp to walk up."

The bus is provided by Transporting Somerset which is part of Somerset County Council and holds the contract with Somerset You Can Do, which put on the day centres.

The centres, which are all over the county, give people the opportunity to socialise, enjoy activities and have a hot lunch.

To attend St Michaels Church hall Monday club, it costs £10.50 per week.

"We used to be able to use our bas passes to get there but now the council have taken away the bus," said Doreen Hake, 78.

"It's just so awkward getting up on these buses and my friend Violet's stopped coming because she finds it too hard.

"The drivers are so kind helping us but it's not their job."

Carol Stevens, who runs the club, is keen to find out if Somerset You Can Do or anybody else can come up with an alternative option.

"These clubs are fantastic and it's a lifeline for these people," she said.

"They love coming and I don't want them to stop just because they can't get onto the bus- they're very upset.

"I want to know if there's anything else out there for us or if we could get a grant to have our own bus."

Grace Poole, 82, runs the Newton Road Tuesday club.

"The buses aren't fit for purpose and the ramps don't work," she said.

"They need this club or they'll be alone at home."

A Somerset County Council spokesperson said: "We do understand that some people can experience difficulty when climbing steps.

"A ramp has been used in the past, but this was stopped as it was felt unsafe for passengers to walk up a steep ramp, rather than climb a set of steps.

"We would like to stress that our drivers are always very happy to help any passenger who needs assistance getting on and off the transport."