ABOUT 200 residents packed into a public meeting to vent their anger at the cancellation of a bus to Broomfield Hospital.

First Buses is set to alter the 47 route, which runs from the city centre to the hospital, at the end of the month by redirecting it so it no longer runs through Chelmer Village and Springfield.

Angry residents gathered at Trinty Church Hall, Trinity Road, to hear from campaigners and ask questions to city and county councillors.

First were also invited, but failed to show up. Many are upset the route was altered without prior warning or consultation with users, many of whom use the service to attend the hospital and shop in the town. Many will now have to get two buses to get to the hospital.

Shortly before meeting, Essex County Council announced it had put the route out to tender in the hope a firm will take it on once again, even at a reduced service.

David Lodge, 68, of Shelley Road, said: “It’s disgusting to be taking this route away. Look how many people are here–they all want this bus.”

Fellow resident Diana Roper, 66, of Inkerpole Place, added: “Is it because of the pensioners that use it they think there aren’t any paying customers here? First makes it feel like we don’t deserveaservice.

I’m now going to have to walk long distances to get an alternative bus.”

City councillor Jean Murray added: “There’s a real strength of feeling over this. By taking it away it goes completely against what the city and county council want to do.

Get more people to use buses.”

The numbers just don't add up

THOSE at the meeting were left disappointed when no-one from First turned up to answer many of the question bus users came armed with.

One of the main questions was where First got the figure that only 30 people per day use the 47 service from Springfield and Chelmer Village. Many said the number wasaload of rubbish, but First told us the numbers add up.

A spokesman said: “We’ve withdrawn part of the route on the basis the numbers of people using the service are just to low.

He added: “We didn’t have a representative at the meeting because at the time we wouldn’t of had the answers people were looking for regarding the route.”

For the latest on the future of the 47 bus, keep an eye on our website.