A controversial school bus service is to be re-routed in the wake of a smash which left dozens of children in hospital.

More than 30 pupils from Southend were taken to hospital following the head-on collision between the double-decker bus and a car in Potash Road, Billericay.

Now, the Schools Consortium, which runs the bus and another 15 routes for schools in Essex, has confirmed a new route has been agreed with operator First Eastern for the 512 service.

Many of the 34 pupils on the bus, on their way to Southend High School for Boys, Westcliff Boys and Girls' Schools and St Thomas More, were thrown out of their seats during the collision.

A number of them, as well as the two drivers, suffered whiplash and bruising but were released after checks at Basildon and Broomfield Hospitals.

Bob Farrell, from the consortium, revealed the bus will divert down Brookside before rejoining Norsey Road and picking up pupils at the southern end of Potash Road.

He said: "We have another route organised. I am delighted with this - it will only add a couple of minutes to the journey."

The changes will happen as soon as police have concluded their investigation into the smash.

They have been interviewing pupils and the two drivers in an attempt to find out the cause of the accident on March 3.

Basildon Council said the area was on a list of areas to monitor but was not currently being looked at. However, news of the changed route has not been welcomed by everyone.

Billericay councillor Peter Patrick still believes the bus should use a main route closer to the town centre.

He said: "That dreadful bend in Potash Road makes it far too narrow but I'm uncomfortable about a large double decker bus plunging into the Bridleway estate as well."

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