Essex County Council is proposing a number of improvements to bus journeys in the Dengie Peninsula and is seeking the public’s views.

Local bus users in Bradwell, Burnham, Maldon, South Woodham Ferrers and other surrounding villages are being called upon to give their views and help shape the future of the area’s buses.

The existing conventional bus route contracts for services D1, D2, D4 and D6 are operated by Stephensons of Essex.

The demand responsive service D5, which offers individuals a chance to ring up and arrange a specific pick-up and drop-off within a defined area, is operated by Arrow Taxis.

These contracts are currently due to end in September 2016.

The proposed new service network and timetables seek to address a range of issues that have been raised during previous consultations, with regard to the existing bus network.

The proposals include: • Two new routes between South Woodham Ferrers and Maldon – one route will also provide a commuter link via North Fambridge station. These will also provide workers’ journeys to these two towns

• Another new route linking Burnham – Southminster – Althorne

• Bradwell will be served by an extension of the D1 service which will run from Maldon – Bradwell – Southminster – Burnham, providing a range of new journey opportunities.

Cllr Eddie Johnson, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Delivery, said: “It is vital that local bus users share their views to ensure we can deliver the most effective and efficient service for everyone.

“Essex County Council had an incredible response to our most recent county-wide bus consultation. I would encourage residents to give us their feedback and help shape the future of buses across the Dengie Peninsula."

Hard copies of the consultation are available at all Essex County Council libraries or can be requested by calling 03457 430 430 or emailing Passenger.Transport@essex.gov.uk.

The consultation opens on Monday, 15 February and will close on Friday, 18 March.