A VILLAGE bus service could be axed when new disabled access laws come into force in the NewYear, it is feared.

Horizon buses currently operates the number 77 between Great Bentley and Colchester.

The company said it had always subsidised the loss-making route as a community service.

But it would have to replace the buses operating the service to meet tough new disability discrimination laws, which come in from January.

Villagers said it would be a “catastrophe” if the lifeline service, which stops at the general hospital, Asda and Colchester town centre, stopped running.

Local councillor Lynda McWilliams said: “It has been a brilliant service, so it would be a shame if we lose it.

“We do have a train service, but it is not as convenient as the bus, especially for people going to hospital.”

There are seven services a day in each direction. The route also serves Frating and Elmstead Market.

Mrs McWilliams said: “A lot of people who use it are old age pensioners and people would be quite happy to pay to get the bus because it is so convenient.”

The parish council is meeting with Horizon bosses this weekend.

It is also in talks with the county council to see if another company could operate the service if the Frating-based firm pulls out.

Horizon managing director Ray Connor said no final decision had been made.

“There is a possibility we will pull out, but we are in talks with the parish council at the moment,” he said. “There is a chance it will continue, but it has never, ever made a profit.

“It has always been subsidised by the company, butwith the newlaws coming in, we have got to have different vehicles and the route doesn’t warrant that amount of money.

“We don’t get any subsidies from anyone and you can’t just keep spending. There is a limit to how muchwe can subsidise it.”

The Disability Discrimination Act means buses and coaches can not operate if they do not meet new legal requirements such as wheelchair access, fromJanuary.