ONGAR MP Eric Pickles has welcomed the prospect of a new bus service that will link Abridge and Stapleford Abbotts to Romford, Epping and Lakeside shopping centre.

The new service starts on Monday, November 3.

Mr Pickles said: “Far too often we hear about bus routes which are being stopped due to lack of passenger numbers so it’s a pleasant change to be told about a new service.

The service 575, which will be operated by Blue Triangle, will leave Epping at 9.30am each weekday travelling through Abridge and Stapleford Abbotts to arrive at Romford Railway Station at 10.22am and then travelling non-stop to Lakeside Shopping Centre to arrive at 11.05am.

The return journey leaves Lakeside at 1.15pm arriving at Romford Railway Station at 2pm and reaching Epping High Street by 2.44pm.

Mr Pickles said: “I hope we will see a good number of people using this service so that it becomes one which is viable and sustainable.”