A YOUNG mum is engaged in a battle with bus bosses after they threatened legal action and accused her of forgery.

Sarah Hulley, 22, complained about drivers on First Buses back in April.

She wrote to assistant service delivery manager Paul Flanagan, complaining she was not allowed to board a bus because she could not fold down her pushchair while holding five- month-old daughter Teigan.

He replied, saying the matter would be dealt with. But the problems continued.

Miss Hulley says bus drivers have even left her standing on the pavement with her baby.

Then this week a letter from Mr Flanagan arrived at Miss Hulley's Brockholes home.

It accuses her of forging a letter and falsely using his name to demand being allowed on buses.

It reads: "It has been brought to my attention by a number of drivers that you have been using my name and a false letter to gain access on our buses without folding your pushchair down.

"If someone were to be injured through your ignorance, then the driver could face criminal charges.

"If you do try to use my name again then all drivers have been instructed to stand the bus where it is, until either myself or one of our inspectors can attend, along with the police."

Now, Miss Hulley - who did show the first letter to drivers to prove her complaints were being investigated - is refusing to use buses.

"The drivers have been very rude to me and refused to help me in the past and this letter is the final straw," she said.

"I feel upset and threatened by it. I think it is written to scare me.

"It seems stupid the driver cannot just give me a hand. I don't understand why they are making such a big fuss about it," she said.

"I cannot hold shopping, my baby and fold the buggy down. If I can't take the buggy on the bus without folding it then I will need some help."

Today, Mr Flanagan apologised for the letter. He admitted it may have been written in a way that could have caused offence.

But he said he could not guarantee that drivers would help struggling mums and their children.

He added: "I did not mean to threaten and I am sorry if I have. I shall be writing again to Miss Hulley.

"Many bus drivers refuse to get out of their seats because they fear that if they do they will be attacked or robbed. I am not saying Miss Hulley would do this, of course, but drivers are vulnerable.

"I cannot guarantee that all drivers would help, but as a company we do encourage them to do so."