Bus passengers in Clacton could be in for a cut in fares under the First major overhaul of prices for years, it has been revealed.

First Eastern National is to look at its fare structure over the next couple of months. And while some may face an increase, some will pay less.

Steve Smith, director and general manager of First Eastern National, said today there were likely to be both winners and losers.

He said: "We will be discussing the bands for fares during February and March and it is right to say that some will come down as well as go up.

"We felt it was time to look again as the scales in Clacton have been in operation for a number of years. It is time to review them and it may bring some benefits."

The moves were today welcomed by Tendring councillor Derek Harper: "Anything which will make using the buses more attractive and will help get cars off the road is to be welcomed," he said.

"It is very much a case in the Bockings Elm ward that two people can get into town cheaper in a car - including paying the parking - than for them to travel by bus. That cannot be good."

Mr Harper said it was important to persuade people to leave the car at home and catch a bus - for everyone's sake.

Mr Harper said there were also many residents in his ward who did not have cars and relied on alternative transport.

The councillor also complained about late buses and the lack of a service in the evenings and weekends in Bockings Elm.

Mr Smith said services did suffer at times from appalling traffic congestion in Clacton town centre. He added there were no plans to increase services at the weekends and in the evening and it was up to Essex County Council to provide socially necessary services which were not profitable for commercial operators.

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