Residents "devastated" by lost bus routes went to Thurrock Council on Wednesday to petition for their "quality of life."

Fobbing and Horndon-on-the-Hill residents presented the effects on their way of life at the meeting, saying they had been "devastated" by the loss of the 374 route.

The residents spoke at the Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee at Civic Offices.

The meeting was held to look again at council-subsidised bus routes.

Councillors agreed that the council should take a more 'holistic' view at supporting bus services that may not be making profit, and agreed to draw up a new report on the way Thurrock Council allocates support for bus routes.

The committee plan to visit both Horndon and Fobbing to examine the access issues caused by the decision taken in the spring to reduce and remove the 374 respectively.

Peter Newman, chair of the Ensign bus company, told the committee he believed the original 374 route which covered both villages was “nearly” viable.

Committee chair, Councillor Brian Little said afterwards: “I was impressed by all the public speakers and it is only right that we go to there to see for ourselves.

“I also really liked the description given of the council’s role in supporting these non-commercial routes, saying it was a ‘quality of life budget, rather than a transport budget’.

“It is really important this council bears that in mind when taking decisions of this kind.”

He added: “I would like to see the council taking another look at funding, a holistic look, not just transport, but education and adult social care funding too.”

The committee also heard that a consultation is taking place on the future of the supported bus services, online through the 'Have my Say' section of the council website.

Councillor Gerrish said: “There are some broader issues, not least the increasing pressure on budgets across the council.

“It is important we focus on what services we aspire to provide and for the committee to give a steer on where the council should go.”

He added: “The questions are: how do we best prioritise in future; what should we consider and haven't so far, and to what extent are we a provider of services rather than an enabler.

“We have to look for more savings, but equally we must do that in the fairest way. This is an opportunity to shape the way forward.”

Members of the committee agreed to ask for a report back in September – just after the consultation’s official closure – but Mr Little secured a promise that their comments and the report would be taken into account.

The consultation impacts particularly route numbers 11, 265 and 374 (the routes currently supported by the council).

Residents who use any of these routes or who have any comments should respond to the survey to make sure their views are taken into account before any decision is made. The direct link is: https://consult.thurrock.gov.uk/portal/tc/pt/transport/busservice2015