Gran to take legal action after fall

A Shropshire pensioner left unconscious when the bus she was travelling on jolted is considering taking legal action.

Coleen Smith, of Whitchurch Road, Sundorne, also suffered a fractured shoulder when the number 24 Arriva bus to Shrewsbury town centre jolted suddenly last year as she looked for a seat.

Now, 12 months on, she has issued a new appeal for witnesses to enable her to take legal action against Arriva.

Mrs Smith, 68, said: “I suffered a fractured shoulder and a cut to the head.

“I was knocked unconscious and I woke up feeling very confused with two strangers helping me to my feet.”

The bus had stopped at Meadow Farm Drive, Sundorne, and was reasonably full when Mrs Smith got on and the accident occurred.

An ambulance was called and the bus was halted for at least 20 minutes before it arrived to treat her injuries.

The incident took place a week before Mrs Smith was booked to go on a holiday cruise and because of the serious extent of her injuries she was unable to enjoy her trip.

She said: “I was unable to dress myself or eat without help, the pain was unbearable.

“As the accident happened just a week before the holiday it couldn’t be cancelled.”

Mrs Smith is now considering taking legal action against the bus company and is appealing for witnesses of the event, which happened on March 20, 2007, just before 10am.

“I’ve been trying to take legal action since it happened but I don’t have any witnesses,” she said. “I’ve been told I don’t have a case if no-one comes forward.

“There were a lot of people on the bus, so I’m hoping one of them will be able to help me. I’m sure someone will remember what happened, because the bus was delayed for such a long time.”

An Arriva spokesman said the firm had a record of the event and its insurance company was handling the matter.

Anybody who witnessed the incident last March is asked to contact Jamie Bailey, Mrs Smith’s grandson, on 07821 043094.

By Adam Calverley