CAMPAIGNERS have called for answers after the long-awaited extension of the park and ride failed to materialise.

County Hall revealed in December it would be extending the opening hours of the Colchester Park and Ride site from 7am to 7pm to 5.30am to 9pm for the benefit of commuters.

The changes were due to start in spring but are still to materialise.

Martin Goss, (Lib Dem) Colchester Council’s new portfolio holder for transport and waste, called for transparency from Essex County Council.

He said: “We have heard they have put back the new proposition of increased offers to July, which includes everything they announced in December.

“We have not received formal notification of this, it is a tip off, and it is probably why they have gone very quiet.

“All of this announcements and adverts have gone ahead but the plans have not actually gone ahead for whatever reason.

“If it has been put back, let’s be honest about it. I will make sure they do go ahead in my new role”

Mr Goss added he did not see how the proposals could be scrapped, because they were the only way to make the service viable.

Peter Kay, secretary of Colchester’s Bus Users’ Group, said: “Today I was assured by one of the drivers the new service has not actually started, and that they have no news on when it will.

“It is clear, at least, that the improvements are not now actually going to appear in the spring.

“So, what is going on? Has it perhaps belatedly dawned on somebody the new timetable is so daft that they would only be mocked if they introduced it?”

Mr Kay said the proposed bus timetable would see services run unrelated to fast trains to and from London, making it pointless for commuters.

He also said the services would continue to the town centre, despite the expected pick up of passengers there being minimal.

An Essex County Council spokeswoman said: “The extended hours and family ticket will be commencing soon as we continue to work with a range of partners.

“Introduction will follow a statutory notification period for route changes. We will publicise the start date of the extended hours as soon as we are able to.

“The route is on a loop and is there to benefit all park and ride customers whether commuter, shoppers or visitor.”