PASSENGERS say a ‘diabolical’ bus service has not improved despite surprise inspections being carried out.

Issues began to arise after First closed Harwich bus station at the end of last year, meaning vehicles now have to travel in to the district from Colchester and Clacton daily.

Problems include vehicles arriving late, not turning up at all and drivers asking them directions on the 20/22 services.

At a meeting of Harwich Town Council last Wednesday First customer services manager Ray Winnett, said mobile inspectors had been on buses for a week to identify where the problems were coming from.

He said: "They all have a right to expect a service to turn up.”