A BUS service between Great Bentley and Colchester could be axed when new disability access laws come into force.

Horizon buses, which operates the number 77 service, says it has always subsidised the loss-making route.

But it would have to replace the buses operating the service to meet tough disability discrimination laws, which come in from January.

Villagers say it would be a catastrophe if the lifeline service, which stops at Colchester General Hospital, Asda and Colchester town centre, ceased.

Lynda McWilliams, district councillor for Great Bentley, said: “It has been a brilliant service, so it would be a shame if we lose it.

“We do have a train service, but it is not as convenient as the bus, especially for people going to hospital.”

There are seven services a day in each direction on the route.

It also serves Frating and Elmstead Market.

Mrs McWilliams said: “Many of the people that use it are pensioners.

“People would be quite happy to pay to get the bus because it is so convenient.”

The parish council is meeting with Horizon bosses this weekend.

It is also in talks with Essex County Council to see if another company could operate the service if the Frating-based firm pulls out. Ray Connor, Horizon’s managing director, said: “There is a possibility we will pull out, but we are in talks with the parish council.

“There is a chance it will continue, but it has never ever made a profit.

“It has always been subsidised by the company, but with the new laws coming in, we have got to have different vehicles and the route doesn’t warrant that amount of money.

“We don’t get any subsidies and you can’t just keep spending.

There is a limit to how much we can subsidise it.”

The Disability Discrimination Act means buses and coaches cannot operate if they do not meet new legal requirement, such as wheelchair access, from next year.