RESIDENTS and councillors are urging for a bus to be reinstated as elderly people cannot cope.

In April Stephensons had no choice but to withdraw the number 90 from going down Elizabeth Avenue in Witham, as people were parking inconsiderately.

A petition with 54 signatures was sent to Braintree Council and to Stephensons.

Braintree Council has said it is supporting the reinstatement, and is urging Essex County Council to bring the service back.

The issue about the bus, which goes from Witham to Maldon, will be discussed at a Witham Town Council Community Committee meeting on August 1.

In a letter attached to the agenda, resident Valerie Sims said to Braintree Council: "We would be grateful if you could consider giving your help in trying to get the bus stop reinstated.

"Most of those this action has effected are either pensioners or those who are disabled - there are many of those in this area considering there are a number of residents in bungalows that use this bus regularly.

"They are now having to use taxis which as you can imagine is costly."

Bill Hiron, Managing Director at Stephensons, said the company had "drawn a blank" but would be "delighted to restore the bus service as soon as they can get down the road safely."

They initially stopped the bus from going down the road as drivers could not make it past the parked cars.

Ward councillors Janet Money and Gavin Maclure are in support of the reinstatement, recognising it is an essential service to some residents.

In a letter to Essex County Council, which was attached in the agenda, head of operations at Braintree Council Paul Partridge said: "The district council fully supports the reinstatement of this bus route, given that it is a much valued and indeed essential facility used by residents in Elizabeth Avenue and the surrounding area.

"I am therefore writing to formally request that Essex County Council reviews the position with Stephensons, with a view to reinstating the service."