An angry bus passenger has collected almost 400 signatures complaining about a bus service.

Heather Cant, of Upland Drive, St John's, Colchester, regularly uses the number two Arriva bus service to get to and from her workplace at the George Hotel in Colchester High Street.

Her disgust at the service between St John's, Highwoods and Colchester town centre led to her starting a petition, which now stands at 367 names.

"The service is very unreliable, often runs late and sometimes does not turn up at all," said Mrs Cant.

"I have phoned to complain on several occasions and either get no reply or have been fobbed off with excuses about driver sickness, roadworks and so on. We really do deserve better."

Mrs Cant said the 8.20am bus from opposite her house on Monday morning did not arrive until 8.55am and the 1.30pm bus on Saturday did not show up until after 2pm.

A spokesman for Arriva said that complaints from passengers were taken seriously and that inspectors regularly checked that buses were running on time.

"Mrs Cant's complaint and petition will be accepted and investigated," he said.

By Sue Robson

Reporter's e-mail: sue_robson@thisisessex.co.uk

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