A SCRAPPED bus service ferrying staff and holidaymakers between Colchester and Stansted Airport could be replaced.

The Gazette revealed last week that the X22 service, which takes passengers to the airport from Clacton, Essex University, Colchester town centre and Braintree, will cease in January.

Bus operator First said the service was poorly used and not profitable, but regular users criticised the move. Now Stansted Airport has announced it is actively seeking a replacement.

Public transport manager Steve Mills said: “The announcement by First Group to cease the X22 is obviously disappointing news, but I want to reassure staff, holidaymakers and passengers who use this coach service we’re doubling our efforts to find a replacement operator as soon as possible.

“Admittedly, talks with potential new operators are at a very early stage, but we’ll keep everyone up to date on how they progress.

“Public transport services remain one of Stansted’s real success stories, with nearly 50 per cent of our passengers travelling on buses, coaches and trains to get to and from the airport.

“We are determined to ensure we continue to improve services and standards even further.”