A BUS operator has stepped forward to take over a Colchester route after a rival decided to axe it.

Network Colchester will take on the Number 4 service, which runs from Sainsbury’s in Tollgate to Colchester High Street, via Stanway, Prettygate, Lexden and Shrub End.

Hedingham Buses had planned to stop running it from next month.

County councillor Sue Lissimore joined with residents to lobby to save the route, saying it allowed elderly residents to reach Tollgate and the town centre.