Rowhedge residents 'stranded' as bus drivers refuse to visit village

Rowhedge residents are currently suffering from the fallout of a road closure at the main Shipyard Corner junction where repairs are being carried out.

The works are reportedly having a significant impact on traffic, with drivers from First Bus claiming they are struggling to access to the village without issue.

Due to no longer being able to turnaround at the end of Rectory Road all buses are now said to be stopping one mile away in Speedwell Road.

As a result, Lee Scordis, Colchester councillor for Old Heath, Hythe and Rowhedge, has said the village is being “completely isolated” and residents are stranded.

“This morning a bus came at 6.30am and a Hedingham bus came to pick up school children but that's it,” he added.

“No-one from First has contacted councillors or put notices up and they claim badly parked cars in the turning circle are a reason they cannot come to Rowhedge.

“All it would take for First to resolve this issue would be to contact the North Essex Parking Partnership asking them to put down some 'no parking' cones. 

“They have decided not to do this and just cancel the services leaving bus users stranded.”

The latest issue concerning First Bus comes just months after changes made to services in Colchester and timetable alterations were branded “ignorant”.

On that occasion bosses at the transport company said adjustments had been made to ensure the sustainability of bus travel in the city and surrounding area.

Mr Scordis added: "We are incredibly disappointed by the lack of communication from First buses, who themselves are continually cutting bus services for the village. 

“Their complete disregard for customers shows First Group is not fit for purpose.”

Piers Marlow, managing director for First East of England, has now said the roadworks have caused considerable problems.

He said: "We were originally using a turning circle on but a bus became stuck because of the poorly parked cars in the area.

"We then made the decision to alter the diversion for safety reasons due to the  works and badly parked cars. There are no parking regulations in this area so it would not be enforced.

"Roadworks are not in our control and often appear unannounced so we may not even know about them.

"The diversion was announced as soon as it was put in place with an apology but this was not caused by First Essex."