Hundreds of complaints have flooded in to transport chiefs about Bradford's controversial Overground bus system.

During the past eight weeks 560 complaints have been received by West Yorkshire Transport Executive - one in four of the total sent from across the county.

A petition signed by 5,000 commuters about services in the Thorpe Edge and Ravenscliffe areas has also been handed into First Bradford bus company which runs the Overground route plan.

The map of the routes is based on London's Underground operation with buses heading into the city on the main routes every ten minutes. On Friday Bradford passenger transport consultative committee will consider a report from the PTE about public reaction to the scheme.

But today Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, whose Ilkley ward has lost its through bus service to Bradford, said: "The level of complaints is terrible. I can fully understand the annoyance. The bus company appears to have shown total disregard in introducing some of these services."

Council officers say complaints ranged from the loss of service and links, reduced frequency, reliability and driver attitude. But they will tell the committee that bus changes in Wakefield and Kirklees earlier this year brought 685 and 795 complaints respectively so the number of representations about Bradford is not unprecedented. Members will be told a recent decline in passenger numbers has now been halted. Officers say market research is being carried out and revisions will be made.

Consultative committee chairman, Councillor John Prestage, said: "The committee will be taking a very thorough look at the situation and be asking questions."

The Rev Geoff Reid, a member of the passenger consultative committee, said a number of people had approached him with concerns about the proposals.

He said: "I am moderately hopeful they will get some change in the situation. I would be very concerned if no notice was taken."