A number of bus services across Tendring are under threat because they do not attract enough passengers

Essex County Council, which subsidises the routes, will decide next month on whether they are to continue to be run or be scrapped.

Ron Williams, cabinet member for transportation, said contracts on the services run out in March and tough choices will have to be made where the route is not well-used and the cost per journey is too high.

Under the spotlight will be a host of Sunday evening services from Clacton to Walton, Jaywick, and Point Clear where the council is paying out £28,000 in all.

On the Walton-to-Clacton route, the cost per passenger is £13.30.

Also under consideration will be the Clacton to Brightlingsea service on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

The actual cost per passenger is currently running at £7.70 and the bill to the county is about £18,000 a year.

Mr Williams said in a letter to councillors that these were not considered to offer value for money.

"In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the level of service in order to reduce costs and, hopefully, to bring them within the criteria which would ensure their continuance."

Published Friday November 8, 2002

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