A BUS service provider has pulled out of running a route just three months after taking it over and scrapping journeys.

Stephensons caused controversy when they pulled the plug on a number of rush-hour journeys on the 73 bus between Maldon and Chelmsford earlier this year.

A group of commuters launched a petition to save the route back in July and it has since been signed by more than 200 people.

In a statement posted on their website Stephensons said: “Since we took over operation of bus 73 (Chelmsford to Maldon via Hatfield Peverel and Heybridge Basin) at the beginning of September, we have reviewed the service and have concluded that we should not continue it.

“We have advised Essex County Council and they have invited tenders for the service to continue from November 16.

“This will be for a timetable and route very similar or identical to that which applied until the end of August, suitably adjusted to suit Plume School\'s requirements.

“A further announcement will be made as soon as the tendering process has been completed and the new timetable and operator\'s name can be published.

“We will also then clarify the position for any season tickets sold for this term on bus 73.”