POOR public transport links are limiting who employers can hire at the new motorway services area in Beaconsfield, managers said today on its opening weekend.

Shop bosses at the 'Extra' service area, near junction 2 of the M40 said it is difficult for staff without cars who have to commute to and from the site early in the morning or late at night and called for better bus services.

They admitted it was almost essential for potential employees to own a vehicle and said it is particularly affecting university students.

Georgina Boone, training manager at Pasty Presto, said: "The biggest issue is transport for our staff - lots of people don't drive so that's probably been the hardest thing. “It's kind of limiting who we can employ which is a bit sad.”

She said the "diverse shifts" made travelling by car even more essential because of the lack of public transport links nearby.

Anthony Thuraisingam, team leader at KFC, agreed that "it's a big problem" and more bus services "would be a very good idea".

He said: "Most of the staff are students and they don't have cars. "I think the last bus is at 11pm and we don't close until then which makes it difficult and cabs are very expensive."

Rod Morris, openings manager at Le Petit Four, said: " That is a downfall but I have been at other service stations and it's the same everywhere.

“ You have to be able to walk here or have your own transport, which does limit it, but it's not a problem."

He added that the restaurant's long opening hours means the company can employ mainly full-time staff which he said was good news for those in South Bucks looking for work.

The three managers said trade had been good so far and despite long term opposition to the MSA from Beaconsfield householders, many had been in and reacted positively towards the design and what was available.

The 24 hour motorway stop off, which opened on Tuesday, contains shops such as WHSmith, McDonalds and Starbucks, whilst a Marks & Spencer Simply Food store will open on March 26.

Customer Paul Watson, a printer from Portsmouth, who had been to Oxford and was travelling to Greenford, said the services are located at a useful point for motorway users.

"If you're going to London, it's a good stop off place," he said.

Partner Mavis Ayres said: "I don't care much for these kind of places but as they go, it's not bad. It's clean and convenient."