The chairman of Witham and Braintree Rail Users' Association is to meet with Eastern National in a bid to win improved bus links with Stansted Airport.

David Bigg, chairman of the association, will outline plans for a "vastly improved" service when he meets Eastern National bosses next week.

Currently four services operate each day from Braintree to the airport. Mr Bigg will argue the case for a basic hourly service, with some journeys starting at Witham.

He said: "The current service barely exists. It is just a token. Four services a day means job opportunities are non-existent for local people without access to a car.

"There must be lots of unemployed people who would love to work at the airport but can't get there. It is a key issue because the airport is crying out for labour.

"It would probably have to be a limited stop service, where buses would maybe call at every fourth or fifth stop. We believe the route can at least be developed to link with new improved rail services at Witham."

The results of Commuter 98 - a survey conducted by the association last year - showed commuters want earlier starts and later finishes to the existing town services.

It also highlighted the need for improved bus links to railway stations at Witham and Braintree and the association has identified possible areas for route expansion.

"You can't expect workers to hang around waiting for buses," added Mr Bigg.

"We believe the route can be developed to link with new improved rail services at Witham. This would provide both the bus and rail operator with improved profitability."

Operations director for Eastern National Derek Trotman said: "I am having a meeting with Mr Bigg but I cannot really make a comment before he has spoken to us. We will have to wait and see what he has to say."

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