Liberal Democrats who raised the issue of unreliable and irregular bus services on behalf of Chelmsford residents, were branded as 'political opportunists' by the Conservative spokesman for transport. That was the response of Rodney Bass, Conservative cabinet member for highways and transportation, to a Liberal Democrat motion calling for the council to look at improving bus services.

Tom Smith-Hughes, county councillor for Chelmsford North said, "By the disdain with which Cllr Bass spoke in reply to our request, it is clear that the Conservatives in general, and Cllr Bass in particular, regard any criticism of the administration as an irritation and an insult. Comments made by Cllr Bass today in response to a legitimate query, were spiteful and childish."

"Ironically, Cllr Bass agreed that there was a need to provide a better and improved transport service to the public. That was the whole point of our motion - despite many council debates and consultations, bus services in Essex do not meet the requirements and expectations of many local residents", Cllr Smith-Hughes added.

Date: 8 December 2004