A NEW dial-a-ride bus service has been hailed as a lifeline to residents stranded on their estate.

Harwich Connexions plan to introduce a new door-todoor bus service in November, with customers prebooking the vehicle.

It will allow them to attend medical appointments, visit friends, go shopping in the town centre or supermarket and take part in social activities.

Town councillor Dave McLeod said he believed the system would greatly benefit residents on the Vines estate, in Dovercourt, who have been left high and dry since bus company First axed all buses travelling through the area on September 1.

“After the buses stopped going through the Vines estate, I had some dialogue with Essex County Council, but they could not help because it was a commercial decision by First to cut that part of the service,” he said.

“However, a number of people on the estate find it difficult to get to the nearest bus stop in Parkeston Road because the area is quite hilly.

“The new service, which will be introduced by HarwichConnexions, means they will now be able to get to the places they used to go before.

Harwich Connexions will be offering the service to everyone, including pensioners, disabled people, youngsters and the rurally isolated in the town and its neighbouring villages.

Wheelchair users will also be able to use the service.

For more information, call Harwich Connexions on 01255 552010 or visit the office at the Park Pavilion, in Barrack Lane.