New bus service to Stane Retail Park has residents divided

Hedingham and Chambers has launched a new route which runs between Marks Tey and Colchester city centre and also serves the Stane Retail Park. 

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

Despite plots for bus stops being allocated and set aside in plans for Stane Retail Park in Stanway, there had been no services running to the complex, until now. 

The news has been received with mixed reaction, with some residents looking forward to being able to access the retail park with greater ease, and others criticising the plans.  

Steve Parker said: “It says 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. Bit of an early finish.” 

Teresa Ryder, meanwhile, said: “Great news but, unfortunately, Hedingham and Chambers can't run the routes it already does - they always cancel or plainly don't show up.

“On a Saturday, especially, the 63 routes always get cancelled unless something is going on in town. This should have gone to First buses.” 

Damon Lee thinks the new service will actually make access worse. 

He said: "Imagine how many problems it's going to create putting in the bus lanes and cycle lanes and the impact its going to have on travel around the area - as if it's not bad enough already." 

Other residents, however, have been more positive.

One Gazette reader said: “Well done on Hedingham for showing some initiative in getting this service going."

Another reader hopes the additional buses can help decrease congestion.

They said: “Good. More buses, more bus lanes and investment prioritised for pedestrian infrastructure only is what's needed.  

“Ditch the cycle lane nonsense as one full bus can take over 50 cars off the roads.

"Demolish a few car parks, raise car parking charges and introduce a daily congestion charge and that might begin to make a dent in the daily congestion problems.” 

The new service has been introduced after parts of Marks Tey were left with minimal service earlier this year, according to the bus operator, but also was set to ensure those who do not drive can access Stane Retail Park with greater ease. 

Colchester councillors Jeremy Hagon and Martin Goss have welcomed the announcement with open arms.

Mr Goss 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.”