A VITAL part of a bus route stopping outside Southend Hospital will be reinstated after more than £950,000 in funding was granted to improve public transport across the city.

Bus companies, campaigners and councillors were invited to Southend’s first “bus summit” this week, organised by Southend West MP Anna Firth, to discuss issues with bus routes across the city.

Following the talks, it has been revealed that £958,500 in Government funding will be spent over two years to improve four bus routes in Southend – including the First Bus 21A route which was re-routed away from the hospital in 2021.

Now, First Bus has confirmed the 21A will be once again stop close to Southend Hospital, in Carlton Avenue, Westcliff, from April 15.

Ms Firth said: “I was delighted to organise and host this inaugural Local Transport Summit in Southend. Public transport remains crucial to many in Southend West and Leigh, so it is vital that we have a bus network befitting our new city status.

“Absolutely no residents should be left completely un-served or isolated as a result of a withdrawn or re-routed service.”

The funding will be used on three other services as well as the 21A, and these will be announced in coming weeks.

Southend Tory cabinet member for transport, Kevin Buck, said: “It was great to have all stakeholders in the same room, including the bus operators, the bus users groups and members of the public.

“As the cabinet member for transport and highways in Southend, it has been extremely important to me not just to maintain existing services, but to improve and reinstate others.

“I am delighted that funding has been allocated to improve several routes, including the 21A that will reinstate a service along Carlton Avenue.”

Southend resident, Trevor Harp, said: “As a resident directly affected by the operational decisions made over the last year I valued the opportunity to highlight the impact of the service changes made on my fellow residents.”

Julian Elliott, head of network at First East of England, said: “I’m pleased to say that from Monday April 15 we will be restoring a bus service to Carlton Avenue in Westcliff, route 21A, every hour during the middle of the day, providing access for residents to Southend and Leigh.”