BUS passengers have been left confused after changes to stops in Southend.

Three bus shelters have replaced a former one outside Southend Hospital, in Prittlewell Chase, but there are no signs up to say which bus stops where.

Independent councillor John Mason, who represents Hawkwell West, in Rochford, takes the bus to work.

He was waiting with other passengers outside the hospital when he noticed the problems.

He said: “There was one new shelter built where the old one was, there was a new one being built in the middle, and another one about 100 yards away.

“There was a number of elderly people waiting in the shelter, and one or two of the people were partially-sighted.

“The bus sailed past, and then stopped 100 yards away next to another bus stop.

“So I said, ‘let’s go along and get the bus’, but before we got there, it drove off.

“Another bus came round the corner and it said Rochford on the front, but it stopped at the other bus stop. By the time we got there, it had driven off.

“We were literally running back and forth. There is nowhere on the stops to say where the buses will stop.

“If you are going to have three separate bus stops, it’s not a bad idea to have a sign up.”

Mark Flewitt, Southend Council’s councillor responsible for planning and transport, apologised for any confusion.

He said: “New bus shelters have been installed at Southend Hospital, as part of the public transport improvements there.

“Further works, including the installation of a bus clearway and the provision of bus information, have yet to be undertaken.

“The bus companies were notified on May 7 there would be a change to the arrangements at the hospital, and given a timescale for implementation.

“They were told to wait until the ‘official opening’ before using the new shelters, and to continue with the original stop until improvement works were completed.

“Although neither the council nor the bus companies are aware of any passengers being left behind, we apologise if this has happened.

“No complaints have been received about this issue, and the bus companies are taking extra care in this regard during the works.”

Arriva’s marketing manager, Richard Lewis, said: “We have instructed our drivers to look out for and pick up any intending passengers at all three stops.”