AN OFFENSIVE advert on a bus on the local Dial a Ride service is to be removed after a complaint from an elderly traveller. The St Albans woman, who did not wish to be named, said the sign read: Taking an old bag for a ride . The pensioner said: I wante

AN OFFENSIVE advert on a bus on the local Dial a Ride service is to be removed after a complaint from an elderly traveller.

The St Albans woman, who did not wish to be named, said the sign read: "Taking an old bag for a ride".

The pensioner said: "I wanted to complain but I was scared in case of repercussions. It can't be just me that finds it upsetting to read such unpleasant words on a bus designed to help infirm and elderly people."

Dial a Ride is a door-to-door transport service for the elderly and people of any age who have difficulty in travelling due to permanent illness or disability.

A spokesperson for Herts County Council, which runs the service, said that further investigation has revealed that the sign in question was a Sainsbury's advert to encourage people to reuse their shopping bags.

She added: "We can see how this could be misinterpreted and will be removing the advert and any leaflets from the bus. We apologise for any offence caused.