CRITICS have condemned East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe after he issued messages of support for a plan by Thurrock Council to introduce a new rural bus service - just months after scrapping local routes.

Mr Metcalfe issued a message saying he was delighted that the council had identified 'new money' for the service – but campaigners say the council knew the cash was available all along.

Thurrock Nub News reported last week on the 'U-Turn' by the council and in the wake of that news, Mr Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said he 'welcomed' the Conservative Government's bus funding to enable the return of bus services in East Tilbury and Horndon on the Hill.

The services were withdrawn last year when the council declared rural bus services were commercially unsustainable.

In a media release Mr Metcalfe says he has been working with residents, the local authority, and the Government to find a way forward which resulted in the Department for Transport awarding the local authority £432,000 to support local bus services through its Bus Improvement Plan.

He said: "I know that the cut to bus services was no small thing for residents in East Tilbury and Horndon. Many rely on them to get around. So, it was disappointing when they were cut. I know for a fact that this is not something which elected councillors ever wanted to do.

Stephen Metcalfe's claims that he has 'secured return of bus services' is being mocked by campaigners.

"However, it is fantastic news that the Government has listened to my concerns on behalf of residents. Government funding will allow Thurrock Council to tender two bus routes to serve East Tilbury and Horndon which are expected start operating this summer."

The bus service will be tendered for a minimum of 15 months and there is an opportunity to extend the service if additional funding is received or fare revenues increase. There will be two routes on which bus companies can bid – one serving East Tilbury and one serving Horndon-on-the-Hill. The service is subject to statutory regulations and is expected to commence operating no later than 12 August 2024.

Cllr Ben Maney, cabinet member for regeneration and highways, who frequently rebutted and disputed residents' concerns about withdrawing the services, was also quoted in Mr Metcalfe's release, saying: "I'm delighted that Thurrock has been awarded this funding by the Department for Transport to support our local bus services.

"I know many people rely on our bus services to get around the Borough, they are a fantastic way for people to get out and about.

"Hopefully this new service leads to our local communities being better connected and make it easier for people to visit relatives and friends, go out shopping or see the sites."

The letter that damns claims that there is 'new money' for borough buses. The government confirmed last August that cash would be forthcoming.

However, the claims of Mr Metcalfe and Cllr Maney have been ridiculed by local bus campaigners and local councillor Fraser Massey who say it is pure electioneering by the Conservatives.

Independent Cllr Massey says: "It is clear from the officers reports how important these routes are to residents, and what the impact would be to those isolated in the borough. Political decisions were made although the funding has always seemed secured.

"Having been in constant communication with the 'save our bus services' campaign I have seen first hand the negative impact this break in a bus service has made to residents.

"So although I am very, very pleased to see the tender and positive movement in regards to the bus services, I do wonder if more could have been done to maintain some services whilst this funding was allocated."

One of the leading campaigner against the bus cuts, who has spoken in the council chamber and challenged Cllr Maney several times, says she has letters from the government confirming the money was always available and that the council knew a tranche of funding would be made this year.

Emma Ramdenee says: "Stephen Metcalfe did nothing to help our campaign and the funding he refers to was given to the council as a result of the council officers submitting a bus service improvement plan in 2022.

"The first payment was received last year and the Tory council had this funding when they voted to withdraw funding for our bus service.

"In fact, part of the funds were used to keep it running from March to September last year.

"Cllr Maney was also aware that the second payment would be paid for 2024/25. I don't care who people vote for but this release is just not true."