Long-awaited bus service to Colchester Stane Retail Park announced

Bus operator Hedingham and Chambers has announced a new route which runs between Marks Tey and Colchester city centre and stops off at Stane Retail Park.

The City 70 service, starting up on April 15, will run every 30 minutes, departing from either Godmans Lane, in Marks Tey, or Osborne Street, in Colchester.

It has been introduced after parts of Marks Tey were left with minimal service earlier this year, but also to ensure those who do not drive can access to Stane Retail Park with greater ease.

The Stanway site, which is home to the likes of M&S, Aldi, B&Q and Card Factory, has proved a popular destination for residents and visitors since being built. 

But despite plots for bus stops being allocated and set aside in plans for the facility, there had been no services running to the complex - until now.

Colchester councillor Martin Goss, who previously confirmed talks with bus operator First regarding the issue, had campaigned on behalf of residents for the bus service. 

He said: “This is great news and I hope people use this new service. It’ll be good for the bus company which decided to listen to what people want. 

“This is a good start for people from the city centre who want to visit.” 

The City 70 service will run from 8.40am Monday to Friday, with the last bus leaving Godmans Lane at 2.40pm, while the last service from Osborne Street is 2.15pm 

Stanway councillor Jeremy Hogan also campaigned to have the retail park better connected, so is thrilled with the move. 

He said: “I welcome the news that a bus service will now be provided to serve the popular Stane Retail and leisure parks in Stanway.   

“Residents have consistently asked me when a bus service to this area will start.

"The recent announcement by Hedingham and Chambers to deliver a service supports the need for improvements to bus services in Stanway.

"It will help provide better journeys for all.”