ESSEX County Council is spending an extra £300,000 on supported bus services this year despite cutting several routes.

Local authorities are required to provide appropriate transport services even if they cost more than they make, typically including rural routes as well as evening and weekend travel.

The council is spending almost £8.5million this year compared with about £8.2million for each of the previous two years.

Despite the increase certain services have been cut.

These include the 85 from Mistley to Brightlingsea and the 86 from Aingers Green to Colchester.

Bus users also complained about the loss of the number 3 Hedingham Omnibus service from Parsons Heath to Colchester.

The service has been partially replaced by a Network Colchester 105 route.

Essex County Council is monitoring the situation.