BUS company Stagecoach received a slap on the wrist from local authority transport chiefs after breakdowns led to an unacceptable four-hour gap in service for Ottery public transport users.

BUS company Stagecoach received a slap on the wrist from local authority transport chiefs after breakdowns led to an "unacceptable" four-hour gap in service for Ottery public transport users.

It was revealed this week Devon County Council (DCC) formally warned the company after its 382 service, which runs between Sidmouth, Ottery, Feniton and Talaton, failed to turn up twice on July 7 and once on July 16.

Bus companies are required to have appropriate back-up to hand in the event of breakdowns. DCC transport officers have also warned Stagecoach that further cases could result in the termination of its contract with the council.

A DCC spokesperson said: "Certain buses on route 382 did not run on July 7 and 16 following vehicle breakdowns. The service was not restored soon enough to meet our contract conditions and accordingly Stagecoach has been formally warned.