A NEW stop has been added to the Colchester Park and Ride town centre loop.

There will now be stops going to and from the town centre at Middleborough.

It is the second announcement made by Essex Highways chief Rodney Bass after a temporary cut in journey price, from £3 to £2, was unveiled over the weekend.

Mr Bass was speaking at the official launch of the two-month-old service today, the first day passengers have been charged.

It is hoped the new stops will service the Octagon office block, Colchester Institute and Colchester Borough Council’s offices.

Mr Bass said: “This is just the beginning for Colchester’s Park and Ride scheme.

"The town centre is evolving and in order for us to continue to support local business we need to be innovative in our approach.

“Increasing footfall and visitor numbers in the town centre is key to ensuring businesses continue to thrive now and into the future.

“This scheme provides shoppers, visitors and those who work in the town with a stress free, cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to parking in the centre of town and the bus lanes enable the journey to take less than 15 minutes at peak times.”

Norman Hume, Essex County Council’s chairman, added: “I am delighted to have been a part of the official opening of the Colchester Park and Ride scheme, which I’m sure, over time, is going to prove an asset to this historic town.”

Bill Frame, Colchester councillor responsible for economic growth called the service "an extrememly positive development for the borough".

He added: “The increased footfall will benefit local businesses and provide a real boost for economic growth in the town.

"We welcome this significant investment into the borough’s transport infrastructure.”

There are still no plans to add a stop to accommodate Colchester General Hospital staff, despite previous calls from bosses at the Turner Road hospital.

Mr Bass has ruled the move out, saying it is not Essex County Council’s responsibility to provide transport for NHS employees.