A new bus users' group is set to be launched to represent Maldon and Heybridge residents, with the backing of Maldon Town Council.

Speaking at a Town Council meeting last night (July 31), Jane Fleming, Essex County Councillor for Maldon, asked members to support the formation of the group.

She said: "The Dengie Hundred Bus Users Group is brilliant, but this group will focus on the town to benefit bus users in the area."

The purpose of the group is to "have a look at the assets, work out who owns what, and what needs to be done", Cllr Fleming says.

It will "take a good look" at bus routes and engage with the public.

Cllr Fleming says the group would funnel complaints regarding maintenance of bus stops, bus cancellations, and more to Essex County Council.

"That allows us to put a coherent strategy together to lobby for better service," she said.

Councillors James Burrell-Cook, John Driver and Carlie Mayes expressed the need for group's focus to expand to all forms of public transport.

Cllr Mayes said: "Public transport is much wider than just buses. It includes taxis, private hire cars, trains and the joining up of cycle lanes."

Councillor Christopher Swain mentioned he would like to see more electronic signage at bus stops, which allow users to see digital timetables and updates.

However, he warned: "But put them anywhere that isn't the High Street, and they would just be subject to vandalism."

Despite being supported by Maldon Town Council, it will not administer the group. Instead, it will provide the use of the Town Hall for meetings along with some clerking support.

"The group needs to be separate from the council," Cllr Mayes said.

"It will be for anybody who has anything to do with buses on any level. There is power in voices – we don't want it to be insular."

The decision passed with all members voting in favour, except Cllr Swain who abstained as he felt the group may not do enough to deal with "the nitty gritty of the problems bus users have".

Heybridge Parish Council and Woodham Mortimer Parish Council are said to support the initiative, while Essex County Council is "keen to engage".

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