A direct bus service linking Witham to Chelmsford is set to be cancelled, leaving residents stranded.

First Essex has announced a shake up of its services will take place next month, meaning revised timetables, route changes and the loss of some services completely.

One of the routes which is set to be axed is the number 72, which travels from Rickstones Academy, in Rickstones Road, Witham, to Chelmsford Bus Station, via Hatfield Peverel.

Witham Town Councillor Robert Williams (Conservative, Central Ward) said the cancellation would hit elderly and vulnerable residents hardest.

"I am sure there will be some very strong words about this cancellation because it does not make sense," he said.

"One of the town council's bug bears for a long time has been all the other towns in the county have some kind of hospital facilities but Witham is totally reliant on Broomfield.

"The only way to get to Broomfield is via bus and it is very awkward to get to as there is no direct bus, you have to get two buses.

"I do not understand why they are doing this. The company must have their reasons but I don't think it makes sense."

Gavin Taylor works in London but uses the service on weekdays to get to Witham Station.

He said: "It is certainly going to be missed. It is well used, even school kids use it to get to New Rickstones Academy.

"There are a lot of old people on the bus who use it to get into the town centre.

"When it goes I only have two alternatives, walk a mile each way, which would add 50 minutes to my journey a day. Or drive to Witham Station and pay £8 to park every day."

Residents wanting to travel to Chelmsford will have to use First Essex service 71, which goes between the county town and Colchester.

A spokesperson for First Essex said: "We have a number of changes planned for our services from February 18 which will include timetable revisions, route changes and in some areas the withdrawal of services due to very low patronage. We will be communicating what these changes are to the public on Monday, January 15.

“In regards to the 72 First Essex service, part of this route will be covered by changes to another service. For further information on changes for 18th February please visit our website from Monday 15th January."

Visit www.firstgroup.com/essex for more information on the changes.