The state of rural bus services has prompted Maldon's MP to call for high-level meetings with transport bosses.

John Whittingdale , MP for Maldon and East Chelmsford, has arranged a meeting with David Whiteside, Essex County Council's group transportation manager.

Mr Whittingdale said: "I am most concerned about the continuing threat to our local bus services.

"Many people, especially the elderly and those living in small villages, depend upon the bus for shopping trips, visits to the doctor or hospital and going to see relatives or friends.

"Without a bus service, they can become prisoners in their own homes."

A string of bus services in Maldon have been under threat in recent weeks as new timetables came into force.

Eastern National claimed so few passengers were using the routes that it was not financially viable to keep them.

But a replacement service operated by Hedingham Omnibuses has now been arranged to cover the 73 service from Maldon to Chelmsford through Heybridge, Ulting and Hatfield Peverel.

And Hedingham has also agreed to continue running the number 95 and 95a from Tollesbury to Maldon through Little Totham and Tolleshunt Major.

But both services are only guaranteed until the end of the year.

Mr Whittingdale said: "The county council has said a fundamental review of policy for the provision of bus services is being conducted and this may lead to changes next year.

"I will be impressing upon the county council the importance of maintaining, and hopefully improving, bus services serving outlying areas upon which many of my constituents depend."

He is meeting Mr Whiteside on Friday.

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