A HOSPITAL stop, a lack of signs on the A12 and service for commuters were among the issues people put to Essex County Council at a park and ride drop-in session.

Residents, including those who do not use service, were invited to give their views to Essex County Council at Colchester Library.

The facility, which opened at the community stadium junction of the A12 in April last year, is running at a £600,000 a year loss, but the council hopes to make it pay for itself by 2020.

Dinah James, of St Mary’s, tackled the county council on promoting the park and ride.

She said: “I don’t understand why there aren’t any signs on the A12 whether you come from Ipswich or Chelmsford. Before junction 27 and after junction 29 there’s just nothing.

“They should be telling people to stay on until junction 28 because of the park and ride.

“If you go towards Ipswich the signs for their park and ride start at Stratford St Mary.

“I go out of the town at 8.15am every morning and see the buses, but nobody is on them. It’s ridiculous.”

Mark Goacher, of Colchester Green Party, spoke to officers after hearing people’s views on the doorstep.

Mr Goacher, who does not use a car, said: “A lot of people simply don’t understand why the buses do not stop at the hospital. I hear it all the time.

“What I am concerned about though is the whole scheme is being sold as eco-friendly, yet it seems to me the purpose of this scheme is to legitimise more development in Colchester.

“I have been told today the primary purpose of park and ride is to serve the new housing being built, so it’s not to benefit the people who already live here.

“I am also here because I understand park and ride is making a loss and I am concerned about that.”

Chris Currell, of Parsons Heath, said: “I have tried the park and ride at the beginning when it first opened because I was curious, but I don’t use it now as I live in Colchester.

“I wanted to make the point today it needs to be made available for people using Colchester North train station.

“The times of operation, from 7am to 7pm, are not long enough for people who are travelling into London. They need to be on their trains by then.”

Officers spoke to people at Colchester Library from 4.30pm to 6.25pm at the informal get together.

The feedback will be given to councillors and officers to decide if any changes should be made.