VILLAGERS are stuck using a shuttle bus to get into Colchester because a sewer is being upgraded.

For the next month, Rowhedge residents who usually rely on the number 66 First bus service into Colchester will need to use an alternative shuttle service.

The changes have confused residents, with some saying there was no clear timetable and no space for those in a wheelchair or with a pushchair in the Class Coach Hire replacement.

The replacement service ferries villagers between Rowhedge and Speedwell Road, in Old Heath, where they reconnect with the number 66 bus.

But Lee Scordis and Adam Fox (both Lab), have raised questions.

Mr Scordis said: “The whole situation seems costly, inefficient and pointless.

“The shuttle bus being used is a coach the size of a normal First bus, why can First not divert the 66 route down the same route as the shuttle bus?

“Sadly as councillors we were once again not informed by the bus companies of this change that will affect the whole village.”

Anglian Water is increasing the size of a sewer in Rowhedge Road, and the road will be closed until April 30.

A Class Coach Hire is providing the shuttle bus which will operate on a 30 minute rotation. Thomas Lord Audley School pupils will also use the shuttle.

An Anglian Water spokesman said: “Between April 16 and April 30, A Class Coach Hire will operate two additional shuttle buses in place of the number 19 school bus operated by Hedingham. These buses will have signs clearly displayed at Thomas Lord Audley bus services.”

Buses will arrive at Cleaveland Lodge at 7.50am and students will be collected as normal from the dedicated bus stops.

The replacement bus service will only collect students south of Rowhedge. Those who normally travel on a Hedingham bus who live at the north end of Rowhedge Road can catch the bus at 8am from the Speedwell Road and Fingringhoe Road bus stop.

Mr Fox added two of the biggest concerns are around those with disabilities and children in pushchairs.

He said: “Both have been rejected from the shuttle service as the coach has no provision or ramp.

“Next week schools start again and we hope we don’t see the same chaos we have seen for the new term.”

First said due to the nature of the closure, Anglian Water were unable to let buses pass through the closed road.

Mr Scordis is standing for election in Old Heath and the Hythe. The other candidates are Andrew Canessa (Green), Matthew Craven (Lib Dem), Chris Hill (Independent) and Michael McDonnell (Con).