Update 4th July - Standing Up for Holland-on-Sea: Your Concerns, Our Voice
As you know, we’ve been actively raising serious concerns with Konnect Buses about the recent withdrawal of the 134 route and the ongoing safety issues with the new routes through our town.
Since the 134’s cancellation, residents—particularly those who rely on buses to reach Clacton town centre, Clacton Hospital, and GP surgeries—have struggled without a safe, reliable alternative. The replacement Route 9 not only fails to serve Clacton but also lacks proper bus stops on key roads like Marine Parade East. Asking passengers to flag down buses between parked cars is not just unrealistic—it’s unsafe.
Although Konnect responded to our initial letter, they did not provide clear explanations. For instance, they referenced ‘constraints’ around adding a stop on Kennedy Way but did not clarify what these constraints are. We are continuing to press for answers.
We also understand from Nigel Farage’s office that Konnect may now be reviewing some of its decisions. If true, this is an opportunity we want to act on—and we will be asking our local councillors to help ensure any review includes proper community consultation.
If you’ve been directly affected or have concerns of your own, we encourage you to reach out to us. Your voice strengthens our case.
Together, we can work for safer, more inclusive public transport in Holland-on-Sea.
Update 25th June - Reply from Hedingham's.
Update 30th May - unfortunately we did not receive a reply from Hedinghams within their stated response timeline of 7-10 days.
We have chased them, along with additional safety concerns about the placement of some of the new bus stops of the No. 9 bus along the seafront, where passengers are being directed to stand opposite existing bus stops. We have highlighted significant risks, particularly to physically disabled individuals, parents with young children, and those with buggies.
We have also formally invited a representative from Hedinghams to our next Public Meeting on 18th July. All of our local councillors and our MP have also received a copy of the email.
We'll continue to keep you updated with further developments!
16th May 2025 - The HRA formally urged Hedingham Buses to reconsider reductions to bus services arguing that it will isolate elderly passengers, schoolchildren, and holidaymakers also taking into account of the strong objections voiced by our residents to the proposed changes in our local bus services, warning of severe impacts on vulnerable community members.
The key points of concern include the removal of the long-standing Number 134 bus service, previously a reliable link to Clacton Hospital and local shops, and the rerouting of the Number 9, which bypasses much of Holland-on-Sea altogether. Additionally, residents highlight that the Number 7—now the area’s only remaining service—suffers frequent reliability issues.
“These changes threaten to cut off our community,” emailed Karen Clark, Transport, Planning & Highways representative for the HRA. “The elderly and mobility-impaired residents who depend on these routes will struggle immensely.”
We also expressed disappointment that earlier concerns about the lack of direct bus access to Kennedy Way Medical Centre have gone unaddressed, despite meetings with transport officials earlier this year.
Hedingham Buses has yet to respond to our communication but the HRA committee will continue to chase for a response.
Our local councillors and our MP, Nigel Farage were also copied on the email. We have received an acknowledgement from Nigel Farage’s office. They have thanked us for the information and have assured us that Nigel is aware that there are issues regarding the bus services in his constituency. He is in the process of securing a meeting with the Chief Executive of Hedingham & Chambers to discuss a way forward and plans to discuss the points raised in our email at that meeting.