RESIDENTS have been left baffled by the prolonged absence of a bus shelter.

The shelter outside Chant Court, in St John’s Road, Colchester, was removed in August for repairs and was expected to be replaced or repaired within a fortnight.

It is still missing – presumed lost.

Paul Smith, Liberal Democrat ward councillor, said: “We want to know where our bus shelter has gone.

“We have written letters to various people at the council, but it has been difficult to find out who is responsible.

“The last reply we had was in August, but despite chasing the council, we have had no response.

“We are not going to let the matter rest.”

Colchester Council said the shelter was removed after it was struck by a car, and was in the care of its supplier, street furniture company JC Decaux.

Tim Young, councillor responsible for street services, said: “It is not the responsibility of the council to replace bus shelters.

“All we would do is ask JC Decaux where the bus shelter is, and for it to be put back as quickly as possible.”

No one at JC Decaux was available for comment last night.

The shelter is not the first item of Colchester Council property to be removed and not replaced.

The disappearance of Victorian lamp posts from East Bridge, in April, infuriated residents.

The posts have not been returned or replaced.

Essex County Council contractors removed the wrought-iron lamp posts while work was taking place to repair the bridge.

Mr Young said the lamp posts were still in storage, but it is waiting for Essex County Council to help pay for them to be replaced.