A bus route through villages on the outskirts of Braintree is being axed.

The Number 17 from Great Bardfield to Saffron Walden will no longer serve Great Bardfield and Finchingfield.

Essex County Council said the two villages will continue to be served by frequent daily routes to Chelmsford and Braintree.

The new route will be trialled for six months from Sunday.

Paul Bird, the council’s director for commissioning transport and infrastructure, said: “It is important for us to review our bus services so we direct support to the areas where it is needed.

“This route was costing £6.94 per passenger journey, more than the £6 limit we have set for the service.

“By making changes, we are able to bring that down to £4.64.

“This new timetable is for a trial period though and local people must use it if they want it to continue beyond February 2015.”