BUS users who had waited for months for public transport to return to a housing estate were left disappointed after a driver took a wrong turn on the first day a new route came into force.

The 82 bus service run by First Essex had been timetabled to run through the Marks Tey estate from Monday, October 30, much to the relief of those who rely on public transport to get in and out of Colchester.

The estate had previously been served by the 370 service, but the route was cut to just two buses per day by First Essex, who cited a “lack of demand” from users.

This provoked the ire of many residents who were left with no way to catch a bus into Colchester without crossing the A120, a notoriously busy road.

Gazette: Important – the X20 bus allows people to get to the airport at minimal cost, but residents were unhappy earlier this year when its introduction meant the 370 bus service, which ran through the Marks Tey estate, was cut to just two buses per day Important – the X20 bus allows people to get to the airport at minimal cost, but residents were unhappy earlier this year when its introduction meant the 370 bus service, which ran through the Marks Tey estate, was cut to just two buses per day (Image: First Essex)

The return of the service to the housing estate on Monday only came after persistent attempts from commuters to persuade First Essex it had made the wrong decision.

The bus provider eventually relented, and vowed to reinstate a service in the form of the 82 bus for residents in the Marks Tey estate.

But on the first day the service returned, residents were unimpressed after a bus driver missed the turning into the estate, leaving commuters with a sense of déjà vu.

Ann Booty, who had been waiting for the 9.41am service, was left disappointed after the bus bypassed the estate.

It meant she couldn’t get into Colchester for several hours until the 1.48pm bus arrived.

She said: “I was heading into town to go to the bank.

Gazette: Disappointed – Ann Booty was unable to get into Colchester after the bus didn't run through the Marks Tey housing estateDisappointed – Ann Booty was unable to get into Colchester after the bus didn't run through the Marks Tey housing estate (Image: Ann Booty)

“The two other people at the bus stop scuttled across the road and caught the X20, but that’s the whole point – I can’t scuttle across the road when I’ve got a walking frame.

“It’s very disappointing, especially as the new timetable shows it should start coming through the estate on October 30."

A First Essex spokesperson apologised, and said the 82 service was running incorrectly.

He said: “We would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the incorrect running of the 9.41am 82 service today.

“I can confirm that this was an isolated incident and all other 82 services have travelled via the Marks Tey estate.”