PASSENGERS will be able to raise concerns directly with a bus company at a meeting in Headingley next month.

MP Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) has secured the event, which will feature representatives from First Bus, as a way of letting passengers from across his constituency flag up concerns.

The meeting takes place at Heart (Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre) from 5.45pm on Thursday, February 7 and follows a meeting between the MP and the company last November.

Mr Sobel said: “Significant concerns have been raised with me, in correspondence and constituency surgeries, about First Bus.

“The quality of the service has been a running theme and this public meeting must address that.

“First must also address the justifiable anger that people feel over the price increases which, on some tickets, have stretched to 110 per cent.

“I am grateful to them for agreeing to this meeting and to Heart, in Headingley, for offering to host it.

“Whilst I hope that people across Leeds North West attend, I realise it is hard for some to get across this large constituency.

“I will therefore be canvassing opinion in every area and ensure that the full voice of Leeds North West is heard on this issue.”

Elliot Nathan, Labour’s candidate for the Otley and Yeadon ward in this year’s Leeds City Council elections, Elliot Nathan, added: “I am pleased our MP has been so proactive in getting First to agree to a public meeting.

“I am determined to ensure Otley and Yeadon’s voice is heard on this issue and will be canvassing opinion between now and February 7.

“Otley has a big problem with traffic and Yeadon needs greater accessibility. It is imperative that public transport is fixed in the interests of the public.” Mr Sobel has held several meetings with First since taking office in 2017.