SOUTHEND Council should look again at whether bus lanes could be introduced in parts of the town, a Liberal Democrat councillor says.

Peter Wexham spoke out at a special meeting of the council's economic scrutiny committee called to discuss bus services.

Bus lanes in London Road, and Southchurch Road, were last proposed by the former Lib Dem and Labour administration and led to fury among shopkeepers and the Tory landslide election victory in 2000.

However, Mr Wexham, who represents Leigh, said: "I think this is the time when we should be looking again at the possibility of bus lanes."

He was supported by Mike Royston (Lab, St Luke's) who said: "At the moment, there is a council minute which says no bus lanes. I believe this is an area where we should leave the options open for the future."

Martin Terry (Ind, Westborough) said he was opposed to bus lanes and claimed there was strong opposition to the idea in Southchurch Road.

He added: "What we need to do is make sure the existing traffic management and bus priority measures are operating properly."

Ann Holland (Con, Southchurch) agreed and said in Southchurch Road it was not just the traders who were opposed to bus lanes, but also the residents.

Alan Crystall (Lib Dem, Leigh) said it was also essential for the council to look in detail at a park-and-ride system.

He added: "Southend must be the only major town in Essex which doesn't have a park-and-ride system.

"With the development taking place at Fossetts Farm, it is important we look at this. It is important the vehicles are modern and comfortable if we are to attract people away from cars."

Committee chairman Jon Garston (Con, Milton) said after the study on bus services had been presented to the council cabinet it was intended to set up a working party to look in detail at the whole issue.

He added: "I would expect it to take two or three years."