DRENCHED bus passengers have slated Basildon Hospital for taping off a busy bus shelter - forcing patients and visitors to wait outside in the pouring rain.

Annoyed travellers say the hospital has made a blunder in cordoning off the main bus stop, outside the Accident and Emergency department, while another bus shelter is in the process of being built nearby.

Pitsea resident Anne Chapman, 60, was one of a number of passengers who has ended up "drenched to the bone" after being forced to wait for a bus in the rain.

The pensioner, who is currently visiting the hospital every day to visit a sick relative, said: "It's ridiculous. So many of us were soaking wet and absolutely drenched to the bone.

"There is now nowhere to stand while you're waiting for a bus.

"They've taken away the smoking shelters so people can't even cram into them to wait when it rains.

"The only place to stand is inside the Accident and Emergency unit and I don't think the doctors, nurses and patients would like that.

"The place is always overcrowded as it is, without bus passengers clogging up the place."

Another frequent bus stop user, Martin Evans, 68, of Whitemore Way, Basildon, was also fuming. He said: "I use the bus stop a lot and I think it is stupid of the hospital to shut off one bus shelter before another is in place.

"Passengers need somewhere to stand to get out of the rain and bad weather which can be hazardous to people's health.

"Why did they plan this in April, when as everyone knows we get all the April showers?"

Luenne Fetherstone, spokesman for Basildon Hospital, said: "We are currently in the process of building a new shelter and upgrading the bus turning area.

"The new shelter will be larger and more accessible to people with disabilities."

The work is expected to be completed in three week's time.