TWO bus routes have been scrapped just months after being launched.

Basildon is to lose its X40 service linking the town and Wickford with Stansted Airport despite only being launched in May. The service is being withdrawn from this Sunday.

Meanwhile, a night bus route between Canvey, the Festival Leisure Park in Basildon, and Brentwood, has also been pulled this week after launching in September. Both routes were scrapped because of poor passenger numbers.

Michael Mowe, Basildon Council Tory member for Wickford North, said he was disappointed at the loss of both schemes.

The Echo approached First Buses, which runs the Stansted service, for its comment, but the company did not respond.