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Tracey Scholes, 57,  was given her notice last year after her firm, Go North West, repositioned the wing mirrors on its buses in such a way that she could no longer use them at the same time as reaching the pedals. Trade union Unite claimed it led to a ruling by Go North West that the mum of three no longer had the “capability” to safely drive their buses.

Tracey, the first female bus driver at the Manchester depot, lost her appeal in December and has made one final plea for a U-turn today.

Actress Maxine Peake, who was born in Bolton, Greater Manchester, has signed the petition to support her campaign. Former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh and Early Doors actor James Quinn have also backed Tracey’s fight.

Supporters are set to gather this afternoon at the depot in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, to have their voices heard.

Speaking previously to Manchester Evening News, Tracey said Go North West “wouldn’t budge” over the controversial issue.

She added: “If it justifies them paying me another hour a day I’ll do admin work or clean a bus.

“If they gave me that extra five hours I’d take the deal but they won’t budge.

“There are simple things they can do and they are refusing. I’m sure it wouldn’t break the bank for them to pay me the hours they have been for years.”

But the bus company, founded in 2019 as a subsidiary of the Go Ahead Group, said it had offered Tracey an alternative role on its school buses, which have suitable wing mirrors, but for less hours and a cut rate of pay.

The mum, of Heywood, Greater Manchester, turned that down but Go North West said it had since made “numerous proposals” to keep her in the business.

Nevertheless, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Tracey has given 34 years of unblemished service. It seems inconceivable that, due to the blind intransigence of its local management in Manchester, Go Ahead is now ready to watch unlimited damage to its international reputation as a result of the tawdry treatment of Tracey.

“But that is exactly what is happening. From Poland to Turkey, from Norway to Indonesia, media reports have pilloried the bull-headed stance of local Go Ahead management.”

A Go North West spokesman has previously said: “Tracey was a valued member of our team at Go North West and we are extremely sorry to see her go. The design of the mirrors on our buses was agreed after consultation with Unite some time ago.

“All our other drivers of similar height to Tracey are able to view them safely.

“When Tracey raised a concern with us, we made numerous proposals to accommodate her, including offering to put her on different routes, and different types of buses. Unfortunately, all our suggestions were rejected.

“Dedicated, experienced, hardworking bus drivers are difficult to find and so we would never act lightly in a situation like this.

“We are sorry that we were left with no choice but to bring this driver’s employment to an end.”

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