BEMUSED passengers say they cannot work out where to stand, or which bus the need to catch after information “flags” disappeared from bus stops in Colchester.

The flags, on stops outside Colchester Osborne Street bus station, used to show which buses stopped where and their destinations.

Members of Colchester Bus Users’ Support Group, C-Bus, say they all mysteriously vanished recently, much to the confusion of passengers.

Richard Beauchamp, C-Bus chairman, said: “Information for bus users leaves a lot to be desired, especially when you compare it to that railway passengers are given.

“Using the buses in Colchester is something people have to work very hard at.

“I understand there’s a promise these details on the flags will be replaced, possibly by the end of the week.

“However, you really do have to cross your fingers with this kind of promise.”

Mr Beauchamp said he thought the flags had been taken down by Essex County Council to make way for new, more up-to-date ones.

If that was the case, Mr Beauchamp said the flags should have stayed up until the replacements were ready.

He said: “Using the buses is something we should all be encouraging people to do, but the reality seems to be rather different.

“I look forward to the signs being replaced as soon as possible with accurate information. Bus passengers need a better deal.”

An Essex Highways spokesman said: “They were removed on Thursday and will be replaced, starting on Friday.

“The work was undertaken as part of the launch of the park and ride bus service in Colchester, and to deter the serial vandalism of the tiles.”

Colchester’s park and ride is due to open on Monday.