TRAINS between Colchester Town and Hythe stations could be replaced with a tram or bus service as part of the development of garden communities.

The proposal is just one of several options being considered to improve the public transport network in the town in conjunction with the development of new north Essex communities.

It has been suggested, transport links between the town centre and the east of Colchester development, which could eventually reach 9,000 homes, could be improved by operating a rapid transit system on the route of the railway line between the two stations.

The proposals are just one of the options being considered as part of the Issues and Options consultation into the garden community.

But Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell labelled the idea “a load of rubbish”.

“When at first someone told me about it I didn’t believe it,” he said.

“It is crazy that in the 21st century experts can come up with such a daft proposal as this.

“Experts come up with these wonderful flights of fancy but don’t think them through.

"This is an April Fool’s joke but it is only February. It is absolutely ridiculous and I think it should be dismissed immediately.”

Under the plans, Hythe station would become a transport hub for the east of Colchester in a bid to reduce the congested roads.

According to a report compiled by Essex County Council’s transport planners Jacobs, the Hythe interchange would be directly connected by services to the garden settlement, a park and ride site on the A133, Essex University, the town centre and Colchester North Station.

A spokesman said: “Given the infrastructure-first approach to delivering the garden communities, it is vital at this early stage of planning that all options are taking into consideration and explored so the councils, working closely with the relevant infrastructure providers are in the best position to decide what is best for the towns and wider area.

“The councils are committed to huge investment in public transport across north Essex in the coming decades, but, importantly, no decision has been made on this matter at this stage and no decision will be made without proper public consultation on the impacts any such changes could have on existing residents and commuters.”

The study also looked at connecting the new town to Colchester via the A120, a rapid transit route along Military Road and a transport link via East Hill and Greenstead Roundabout.

A Greater Anglia spokesman said it was committed to supporting growth across the region.

He said: “We have been involved with this consultation and will continue to work with relevant parties.

“Decisions about the wider public transport infrastructure, such as replacing existing rail corridors with other forms of transport, would be made by the Department for Transport.”