A new route forward on boosting Brentwood's flagging bus services could emerge following "positive" talks between local campaigners and Transport Minister John Spellar MP.

Forcing the issue: Cllr David Kendall, centre, and other members of the delegation get ready to travel to London to present their case

A cross party group met with Mr Spellar to voice concerns about the deteriorating level of services within the town.

Speaking after the long awaited meeting Cllr David Kendall, chairman of the Brentwood Bus Taskforce, said: "We took a strong cross party team into the meeting, all united in our desire to fight Brentwood's corner and express the concerns of our bus users in a forceful, but constructive manner.

"I believe we presented a strong case and the minister seemed sympathetic and understanding towards many of the points we made.

"While we were never expecting any instant results, I do believe we were able to put down a number of positive markers which will hopefully stand Brentwood in good stead when we apply for funding to develop our bus services in the future."

The problems besetting Brentwood were underlined by the delegation which included bus users, councillors, Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles, officers from both Brentwood Council and Essex County Council plus a representative from bus operator First Thamesway.

During the meeting Mr Spellar urged the council to resubmit bids to the Urban Bus Challenge Fund. Brentwood Council's Deputy Chief Executive Dave Marchant welcomed the talks.

He said: "Those attending the meeting showed the minister that there is a great will in Brentwood to push bus services forward, but that is very difficult under the current structure.

"At the moment bus services are going downhill despite all our efforts.

"The minister was very supportive and it was a very good meeting and I hope we get some positive results from it."

Mr Marchant said further investment was vital to improve the situation.

Published Monday, March 18, 2002