Councillor Seeks Assurances on Bus Service

12.00.00am GMT Mon 6th Nov 2006

Cllr Janet Whitehouse and bus users at the bus stop in Centre Drive

Rumours of changes to the 500 bus route which would end the service through Centre Drive in Epping have alarmed local residents who rely on the service to get from Ivy Chimneys and Centre Drive to Epping High Street, the hospital and the doctors. A petition calling on Arriva to maintain the service is to be submitted to the bus company.

Epping Liberal Democrat district councillor Janet Whitehouse took up residents' concerns with Arriva. "Arriva said they have no plans to change the service this year," she said. "This is welcome as far as it goes but I am seeking assurances that the service has a long-term future."

Bus passengers in Theydon Bois have also expressed concern at rumours that the 500 will no longer go through the village.

Arriva is required to give 56 days notice of any change they are introducing.