U-turn over reduced bus service after feedback

Arriva Herts and Essex reduced the service in 2024

A bus service which was drastically reduced is to be reverted back to its more frequent timetable following complaints.

The number nine, which links Rayleigh railway station in Essex to Shoeburyness east beach - via Southend-on-Sea - was running every 20 minutes.

But in 2024 it was cut to once every 30 minutes, and 40 minutes on Saturdays.

Arriva Herts and Essex, which runs the route, said it would improve links to east beach from 4 January "in response to feedback from local residents".

Former independent Southend-on-Sea city councillor Tricia Cowdery, who presented a petition to Arriva last year, said the change would "reduce social isolation and allow people to connect with essential services".

The petition had included 549 signatures calling for the number nine to be fully reinstated.

"I am delighted that residents in the east of Shoebury have been heard," added Ms Cowdery.

She lost her seat in May 2024 and has since become a Green Party campaigner.

The alternate 9A service, introduced as part of the changes, is to be scrapped, with services seven and eight resuming to serve Great Wakering.