A pensioner says a questionnaire consulting residents on the future of the Dial-a-Ride service is ‘an insult’.

Great Harwood resident Barbara Stewart is one of many people across Hyndburn anxious about whether the service will remain.

But she was outraged to be asked personal questions including her religious beliefs and sexual orientation – on the county council’s consultation form.

Barbara said: "I think it’s an insult to anyone to expect them to answer questions like these – what do these things have to do with riding on a bus?

"It’s an insult to ask someone what their sexuality is. I’m a 76-year-old widow with three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, so that answers it for me.

"It’s nothing to do with anybody what your background or creed is – it makes no difference at all."

The form was given out to users of the service as part of a consultation to see what will happen with the service.

On April 1 Lancashire county council took over running the scheme – and agreed to hold off on any changes for three months, until June.

But fears have been raised cut-backs could see passengers having to pay a fare each time they use it – said to be around £2.

Barbara said: "I must admit, I did put some rather critical answers on mine. For one thing, I refused to give my postcode as combined with my age and the fact I’m female, it would easily enable them to identify me.

"With religion and sexual orientation I put ‘What’s it got to do with you?’

"And on another question it asks you how much it would cost you for a taxi fare. If I wanted to use a taxi, I would use one."

She added: "I only got my form on the Wednesday, May 4 so I hope it is able to reach them on time. And then of course you have to consider the printing costs for putting all this together."

Andrew Gill, head of integrated transport for the county council, said: "The survey is anonymous and people are not obliged to complete every question, but the specific questions about community transport will help us remodel these services to make them accessible to more people and to attract more customers in order to make them financially sustainable.

"Councils are also required by equalities legislation to ask service users for information which could help to make services more accessible to all members of the community."