A SOUTHEND MP has slammed a bus firm for failing Southend’s “most vulnerable and elderly” as it axed a bus service running to Southend Hospital.

First Bus is cutting the Number 26 service from Hadleigh to Southend from Sunday.

Ms Firth, the Conservative MP for Southend West, labelled the move “completely unacceptable” and is calling for firm bosses to reverse the “inappropriately short notice” decision.

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In a letter to Paul Coyle, head of operations, she said: “First Essex Buses have failed to consider the most vulnerable and elderly who rely on these services to visit loved ones, interact with their community, access vital healthcare, and help build a healthy economy by shopping in the high street “A glorious new city should be the breeding ground for transport connectivity, but instead we face communities being cut off from vital bus routes.”

She added: “This disastrous change also will mean the vital stop outside Iveagh Hall is cut. This destination sometimes hosts my regular constituency surgeries; after so long without an MP, Southend West, should not be left without access to an important democratic service which helps those most in need.

“Worst of all, this awful decision results in many residents being left without any direct route to Southend Hospital.”

Further changes to the timetable will also see both the 21B and 822 Southend to Canvey routes slashed, to be replaced by journeys on Route 21.

Southend Labour councillor Matt Dent added: “With buses deregulated and privatised they are run for companies’ profits and not for residents’ needs,” he said.

“What’s needed is more power for local government over bus routes and bus franchising, as we once had.”

He added: “I do agree with Anna’s position, and I hope First Bust will reconsider, but what we needs is for our MPs in the House of Commons to actually give councils the powers to address these problems.”

Garry Nicholass, commercial director at First Essex, defended the move, claiming passenger numbers had failed to return to pre-pandemic levels. He added the changes would contribute to a “sustainable and reliable” bus network.