RESIDENTS say replacing a bus route with a limited service is inadequate.

Hedingham Omnibuses axed its number three route, which connects Parsons Heath to Colchester town centre, because only about 70 people a day used it.

Since Monday, the service has been partially replaced by Network Colchester, which has agreed to send its 105 service between Walton and Colchester to the estate three times a day.

It takes passengers from Parsons Heath to town once a morning, at 10.11am, and return buses start at Colchester bus station at 12:22pm and 2.22pm.

Residents say the new service is already overcrowded and is inadequate for the many disabled and elderly residents living on the estate.

David Mummery, a member of Parsons Heath Residents’ Association, said there were still calls for Essex County Council to consider part-funding a better service, as many passengers were already being forced to stand up on the bus.

Mr Mummery said: “Once there’s overcrowding then people will make alternative arrangements.”

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “We are monitoring the situation closely.”