A village road is in such disrepair that bus drivers have suffered back and neck injuries.

Employees of operator First have complained about Brooklands Road, along the seafront in Jaywick, which has a number of substantial potholes.

Because the road is unadopted, no official body is responsible for the upkeep of its surface and, as a result, First is considering changing the route of its 10 and 11 services.

Essex operations director, Bob Dorr, said: "We have tried to ensure any removal of service would be a last resort, but obviously the welfare of our staff has to be a priority."

Mr Dorr stressed any change to the service would not be to the detriment of its passengers.

"If the bus did have to terminate at a different location it would only be about 100 yards away," he said.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: "Our highways department is holding an urgent inquiry into the funding of the road. A statement will be made when this has been completed."