SHOPPERS and workers say that a major retail park is in need of regular bus services, as people who do not drive remain unable to get to it.

Despite last weekend’s timetable changes by First Essex, the nearest stop to Mayflower Retail Park is still a 10-minute walk away.

The park has shops including Clarks, Boots, Sports Direct, and is set to welcome a newly-opened branch of homeware giant Dunelm. But shoppers say it is “pointless” continuing to expand the site without also adding better transport links.

Basildon resident, Kira Butcher, 26, said: “I think buses should go to Mayflower so that more people can access it, as more shops are continuing to open there.

“I find it annoying. Not everyone drives, so those that don’t can’t access it with any ease.

“I also think more people would be able to apply for work at these places too if there was transport access, as without it really limits who can go there.”

Danielle Kempster, another Basildon resident, added: “It is a bit pointless continuing to build new shops or places somewhere that nobody can get to it.

“Not everyone has a car so I think buses are needed and would be a good idea for those who can’t get there.

“You would expect there to be a bus route there already, and I thought there was meant to be one coming.

“But, if shops aren’t opening in town, and more over near Mayflower, then they need facilities for people to get to them.”

Other residents raised the point about the struggle faced by employees that do not drive.

Jessica Grace Tucker, 26, who works at Tesco in Mayflower, has to rely on her husband to take her to work due to the lack of public transport.

She said: “I definitely think this would be great to have a bus service to the retail park, especially for employees who don’t drive, but need to get to work.

“Even though I only work two days a week, my husband has to take me, or I even have to walk on occasions.

“Taxis are too expensive too, so it would be amazing to have a bus service there.”