WICKFORD residents are fighting for change in their town.

A meeting is being held on Saturday to address the problems being caused by a new bus route. Buses now travel down Station Road, Guernsey Gardens, and Alderney Gardens.

However, Guernsey Gardens is very narrow - meaning two buses struggle to get past one another.

The buses used to travel along Swan Lane, but two bus stops were installed in Guernsey Gardens in August.

Wickford North Tory councillor Peter Holliman said: “As a consequence, the road has been damaged and residents have had enough.

“They want the council to put the bus route back as they were.

“We have been fighting this for seven months, but noone is listening.”

The residents are holding a meeting between 11am and 2pm at Wickford Community Centre, in Market Road, to discuss the problem. A petition is then planned.

Wickford residents are also hoping that long-awaited improvements to a playground will also soon be approved.

With the sports pavilion having been refurbished, and plans for a new cafe, visitor facilities and improved changing rooms at Wickford Memorial Park, visitors are calling for the playground to be approved.

The current equipment is very old and replacing it could cost as much as £150,000.

The issue is being discussed at Basildon full council meeting on Thursday, February 23.