Bus company bosses are under pressure to reverse their plans to axe a well-used Witham service.

First Essex announced it plans to withdraw the 72 services, which travels from Witham, to Chelmsford Bus Station via Hatfield Peverel, as of February 18.

Now the town’s MP has written to the company’s chief executive saying losing the service would have a “serious adverse impact” on Witham.

Priti Patel said: “The loss of this vital bus service is ill-considered and cannot be justified.

“Residents are shocked and appalled by the impact that this cut in services which will come just three weeks after fares go up.

“We have not had any meaningful consultation on these changes and First have not disclosed the evidence base for this decision.

“First must review and reconsider this decision otherwise they will have let down local bus passengers.”

The number 72 bus is the only service which connects Witham’s new Maltings Park estate with the town centre, it takes school pupils to both New Rickstones and Maltings Academies, and is used by commuters travelling to Witham Station.

Bus user Wayne Tearle has written to Witham Town Council asking the authority steps in to reassess public transport around the town.

“Witham is becoming a larger town as we know,” he said.

“Many homes are being built, and public transport needs to be looked at.

“New routes need to be planned and maybe one provider could be used to run those routes in the town.

“The routes need to run through the town centre and head to the station, they need to be affordable and the buses need to run regularly and later.”

Witham resident Stanley Turner said making a simple adjustment to the route of Stephensons 90 service would allow residents of the new estate to use the service.

He said: “A lot of people will be effected by the loss of the 72. During rush hour times in particular it is very busy.”

Visit www.firstgroup.com/essex for more information.