Young people, mothers and the elderly can look forward to more freedom under new plans for a town community bus service.

New proposals for the purchase of a community bus available for use by groups without private transport will be considered by Witham Town Council.

Tom Hewitt, council leader, said: "The community transport initiative opens up many possibilities. We could envisage the acquisition of a Witham community bus that could improve access to the town centre for people in outlying areas."

He added: "The scheme could be staffed and managed by volunteers and would be of particular benefit to the elderly, the economically disadvantaged and young families which have no personal transport."

The scheme would be managed and financed with help from Braintree Council, but the town council will need to discuss how much money is needed to buy a suitable vehicle.

The bus would be available for use for sports clubs playing away matches, young mothers taking their families on a day trip and could even bridge the gap until a regular bus service for pensioners travelling to Broomfield Hospital is established.

The plans will be debated by Witham town council policy and resources committee on June 26.

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