BUS drivers in Chelmsford, Colchester, Braintree, Clacton and Harwich are continuing their strike in the ongoing dispute over pay.

Services from Chelmsford and Stansted Airport to Southend and Basildon were expected to be affected by the strike.

Steve Linger, Essex organiser for union Unite, said: “There are two separate bargaining units in Essex, based on the old Thamesway and Eastern National companies. In the south of the county, it has been decided to ballot members on the latest offer from the company.

“I remain confident they will reject this offer.”

First managing director Alan Bilbeam said he was “disappointed” at the union’s response to the latest offer. He added: “I am very sad to say there will be further disruption to our customers, which I feel is unnecessay.”

First Essex bus services across south Essex were running normally this morning after drivers at Hadleigh and Basildon depots suspended strike action.