Rochford has missed out on a £100,000 boost to improve public transport.

The district council's bid was part of a package put together by Essex County Council and submitted to the Government under the Urban Bus Challenge initiative.

However, only £780,000 for a Basildon scheme has been agreed, with other plans being knocked back.

Steve Clarkson, head of revenue at Rochford, said: "We are extremely disappointed. The extra money would have allowed us to expand our existing community transport and perhaps obtain a second bus, together with more support staff."

Published Thursday January 15, 2004

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