Eastbourne bus drivers are being sworn and spat at by passengers angry at controversial timetable changes.

Urgent talks were under way today between drivers and management at Eastbourne Buses to solve the problems.

They stem from the introduction this month of changes to services in the Eastbourne area.

The most hotly-contested change has been to the number 17 service, axed because it was under-used and making a loss.

The half-hourly service linked Polegate with Eastbourne and Langney, popular with people wanting to journey to the shopping centre.

But its replacement, the 53 service, runs just once every two hours and only goes as far as Eastbourne.

It has led to the intervention of politicians, including Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson, but company bosses remain resolute.

Some drivers believe the new system is unworkable and say they are being victimised because of other people's decisions.

Flashpoints have included a driver being threatened by a drunk with a 12in knife because he did not have the 40p fare.

Other drivers have been spat and sworn at.

Union officials said drivers were aggrieved at public statements of condemnation from politicians about their bus service.

They believe they are only helping fuel resentment towards them.

Paul Bouch, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers' Union, said: "All we want is a say in how things are being run.

"We're the ones on the shop floor, taking the grief from passengers, so we know where improvements can be made.

"It's all very well the Tories and Lib Dems demanding the number 17 coming back but they are not doing anything to help the situation.

"When passengers start spitting at us then that is disgraceful. Nobody should have to come into work to take that."

Meetings have already been held between Eastbourne Buses management and officials from the T&G.

However, lack of progress has led to another round of talks today at the company's offices in Birch Road, Eastbourne.

Steve Barnett, managing director of the bus company, said: "The network has been in place for a month now and we normally wait until this time to see how things are running.

"It's apparent there have been some difficulties, particularly with the number 7 service. But, as with any new network, we are continually talking with our drivers and customers."