CHANGES to bus routes across Swindon will cause parents big headaches from Monday.

Thamesdown Transport introduced major changes to its buses routes and timetables this week.

But on Monday pupils are back at school - and parents in Abbey Meads who rely on buses say changes to the number 10 are ridiculous.

"They are stopping something that's vital to the community getting to school, and I think it's ridiculous," said Toni Holland, of Mason Road, Abbey Meads.

"To be honest I don't think they have thought this out very well."

The number 10 bus service cuts have already caused upset in Penhill, but parents in Abbey Meads whose children go to the Swindon Academy, in Headlands Grove, are also disappointed by the reduced frequency and new arrival times.

Until last week pupils were able to catch the 8.15am bus that got them to school at 8.30am for a 8.40am start.

The new service is only running at 7.55am - the other times would get the children to school late.

The children must either get to school very early, or catch the number 15, which is a much longer route and adds a 12-minute walk.

Ms Holland said: "I'm just dreading when they go back to school.

"They don't realise the effect that they have taking one bus route out - it's not just Penhill that used that bus. It makes me angry that a bus company that makes so much profit would cut a service vital for children to get to school."

Ms Holland's son Hudnott, 13, has Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and has to take medication to control the condition so it is already a rush in the mornings to get him ready in time.

Ms Holland said: "Kids will have to get up earlier - I have to rush to get him to school and I don't think that's fair."

The council has issued Hudnott with a free bus pass, which can only be used at the end of the day, to ensure he will get home safely.

But, with the number 10 service now running hourly, if he is delayed at school he faces an hour-long wait for a bus or a longer walk to catch the number 17.

"They have not thought about the times at all," added Ms Holland.

Teenagers who go to Swindon College are also affected, say parents.

Thamesdown Transport's managing director Paul Jenkins suggested parents walk up the hill and get the 17 from Penhill Drive, which runs every 10 minutes.

He said the 7.55am service on the 21 is designed so people can get into town at 8.30am.

"The number of people using the former service 10 from Ramsbury Avenue wasn't sufficient to continue with the half hourly service," he said.

"I accept that it's early, but the alternative would be to catch service 17. It's a further walk, I don't deny that."