Buses have stopped using a bus station in Maesteg after private vehicles have caused "increased incidents, near misses and concerns".
As a result, the Bridgend - Cymmer service from First Cymru has altered its route to pick up and drop off passengers at a nearby school and college until further notice.
Residents have been left questioning the "reoccurring issue" with concerns for elderly passengers who may not typically have access to social media and be aware of the change.
Announcing the sudden change on social media, First Cymru unexpectedly announced the service change would be "effective immediately" in the interests of safety for both staff and customers.
The service change said: "The 70/71 service will not be operating in Maesteg Bus Station until further notice. The 70/71 service will now pick up and drop off at Maesteg College/Plasnewydd School."
Later adding: "We have made this decision due to increased incidents, near misses and concerns regarding private vehicles using the bus station." You can read more stories from Maesteg like the horror injury sustained by a woman tripping on a paving slab here.
No official update has currently been issued surrounding the return of Maesteg Bus Station to the service's route and what negotiations or action would be involved. The announcement later read: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are working with Bridgend Council to get the issue resolved. Please keep an eye on our social media channels and our website for any updates."
Members of Maesteg Hub community group on social media have expressed concern surrounding the change with fingers being pointed at nearby businesses both within and outside the Market.
Councillor Ross Penhale-Thomas responded to the growing concerns arguing it was not the fault of businesses, he said: "It’s an individual’s choice to park in a bus station. While I accept the Post Office isn't in the most central or accessible of locations, it's what we have (for now)."
Many users attributed vehicles parking in the bus station to the Post Office after it was relocated into an empty unit within the market.
Fay Llewellyn argued: "If the Post Office was in a more accessible place they probably wouldn't park there." Adding that some users with disabilities may struggle to access the site.
Local resident Christopher Teague questioned the lack of traffic enforcement to prevent the bus route change after the issue had been prevalent for some time.
"It's definitely the mark of popular businesses and customers opting for the easy option, there is no provision for the elderly at these new bus stops - there is no seating or shelter and people have questioned the lack of enforcement into stopping this parking.
"There is on street parking nearby alongside a large car park within walking distance, a traffic warden would help deter people".
The change has been left unwelcomed by the vast majority of comments on the community hub with one user even arguing it was punishing bus users "for doing nothing wrong".
WalesOnline has approached both Bridgend Council and First Cymru for comment.
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