Dozens of long-serving workers at the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull could be forced out of their jobs by the re-routing of a National Express bus service.

Bosses at the museum are angry the transport firm's plans to switch the route of the No.900 Coventry to Stonebridge Island service, leaving many staff without any means commuting.

Museum director Nick Hartland said the centre’s 40-strong group of casual workers would be particularly hard hit by the move – with no alternative public transport to the Bickenhill site available.

Mr Hartland said: “We have been informed by National Express that they are ceasing their bus service to the National Motorcycle Museum on February 28.

“This will result in a number of long-serving, loyal employees having to find alternative employment or join the unemployment register.

“I have spoken to National Express and this appears to be a cost-cutting exercise. They say they are wasting their time by going down the slip road, and then having to wait by the island.

“We have a lot of casual workers who rely on public transport and some of them will not be able to get to work. Unless they are able to get lifts from people, it is going to be very difficult for them.”

Mr Hartland said the nearest stop to the site would be a “good 20-minute walk” and added: “This is a real kick in the teeth to many people, some on the minimum wage.

“As a privately-owned, privately-funded business we find the National Express decision flies in the face of Government policy and their objectives.

“Why are we spending billions on a London to Birmingham rail link, when local public transport links are breaking down?”

A spokesman for National Express said: “We are currently working with Centro to make the bus network around Coventry more efficient, reliable and punctual.

“The changes that will be made to local services will be based on existing customer numbers and aims to meet their expectations for our services.

“The 900 route is one of the services ourselves and Centro are discussing but no final decision has been made.”