FIRST Essex defend its decision to withdraw one of its bus stops in Peldon village saying only 1.5 per cent of users live there.

The bus company cited 'low patronage' as the reason to axe the stop, served by the number 67A, which residents hoped would be reinstated.

Services across the county will change from Thursday following a public announcement this week.

A First Essex spokesperson said: “We understand the news to remove the Peldon village service is upsetting for the customers who do use this service, but the decision has been driven by the fact less than 1.5 per cent of the passengers we carry come from there.

“The decision was not taken lightly, but as a commercial business we need to address the rising costs we face and have therefore had to make difficult decisions to address services which currently carry low passenger numbers.

"Demand responsive services are much more suited to serve villages of this size.”

WATCH: VILLAGERS VOW TO CONTINUE FIGHT FOR BUS STOP 

First's network manager, Julian Elliott, has said the changes will allow for a more direct route between West Mersea and Colchester "in order to provide a punctual and reliable service".

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

But when pushed, he was unable to quote a cash amount for how much the bus company would save not travelling the extra mile to this particular stop.

Peldon residents say their nearest stop is a 2.5 mile walk away along a 60 mph road.

When asked about the consultation period given before the changes were actioned, a First spokesperson added: "All proposed service changes are registered with the Traffic Commissioners Office 56 days before the changes are implemented.

"However, we do inform Essex County Council 90 days before new services commence."

They added: "We have a network team who are constantly reviewing and monitoring the impact customer demand, traffic congestion and road changes have on our services.

"This insight informs our decision to make changes.

"It's very rare we will make major changes to a high number of services, however these are made to match the current demand of services in the area.”