A LIFELINE looks to have been offered to an axe-threatened bus service.

Councillors say "several companies" have tendered bids to run the number 46, which runs from Ongar to Chelmsford.

Essex County Council, which subsidises the Arriva-run bus service, cast doubts over its future earlier this year because of a decline in passenger numbers.

That prompted the community to put together several petitions and hundreds of letters calling for the route to be saved.

MP Eric Pickles was among those who warned its withdrawal would leave people "stranded in their houses."

Ongar Town Council chairman Keith Tait said: "We are now very positive it will be retained.

"It is vital to our community, and we also hope to get a new stop at the new health centre at the Ongar War Memorial Hospital site."

Essex County Councillor for Ongar, Gerard McEwen, said: "I am quite optimistic it will continue. Several companies have tendered bids and I would hope one would be acceptable.

"Everybody in the village has been campaigning to keep it going so we know there is a clear need for it."

A decision over the future of the service will be made when a five-year contract between the council and Arriva ends in August.