PENSIONERS have called for a shelter to be built at a bus stop.

Margaret and Ray Tapp, aged 73 and 75, haved helped collect 280 signatures asking for a bus shelter to be built in Berechurch Road, Colchester, at its junction with Queen Mary Avenue.

Mrs Tapp, of King George Road, said: “We use the bus regularly – it is our lifeline.

“The bus stop is in a terrible state and there’s not much room for people waiting for a bus.

“A lot of elderly people use the bus here and really need some shelter.”

The Tapps and Dave Harris, Colchester councillor for Berechurch, compiled the petition.

The couple and Mr Harris visited Chelmsford yesterday, to present the petition at County Hall.

Mr Harris said: “Everybody was so willing to sign the petition. It’s something they really want.

“People need protection against the rain and the kind of snowy weather we had before Christmas.

“I understand roadworks may be coming later this year on Berechurch Road.

“The shelters could be added at the same time.”

A spokesman for Essex County Council said it was exploring what funding options were available.

Dave Harris (Lab) is standing for re-election to Colchester Council next month, against fellow candidates Andrew Bright (Con), Bruno Hickman (Lib) and Maria Iacovou (Gr).