New bus routes to serve 4 proposed Integrated Medical Centres in Thurrock are being considered as Thurrock Council continues to invest in vital transport links.

The plans were announced as Thurrock Council's cabinet agreed on Wednesday 10 October to start the tender process for the number 11, 374 and 265 bus services, which cover Bulphan, West Tilbury, East Tilbury, Linford, Horndon on the Hill and Fobbing.

Current contracts for the 3 council-funded services are due to expire at the end of March 2019.

The council will now invite bus operators to bid for the contracts, considering a range of frequencies for the services and a possible change of route for the number 11 service to increase the number of places where it stops. The potential additional demand created by planned new Integrated Medical Centres in Tilbury, Grays, Corringham and Purfleet will also be considered as part of the process.

Cllr Aaron Watkins, portfolio holder for environment and highways, said: "I am very pleased we are in a position to continue to fund these highly-valued bus services in areas where there are no commercial services operating.

"Our continued investment in transport in the borough is testament to our strong financial position. The fact we have a balanced budget until at least 2022 means we have the opportunity to not only protect these popular services, but also enter into longer contracts.

"I am also pleased we are able to consider a range of frequencies for the services and prepare for the future by exploring how they could serve the four proposed Integrated Medical Centres in Thurrock."

Cabinet also agreed to allow the council to explore options for the future of bus shelters in the borough.