A BUS operator offering services in Audley End and Saffron Walden has ceased trading after going into administration.

Burtons Coaches operate two local services under contract to Essex County Council: the 59 (Audley End, Saffron Walden and Haverhill) and the 9/10 (Great Bardfield, Braintree and Great Notley).

Both services have multiple operators and whilst the services that were not operated by Burtons remain unaffected, the following services will now transfer to different bus companies:

• With immediate effect, journeys provided by Burtons on service 59, afternoons on Monday to Friday and all day Saturday, will transfer to Stephensons of Essex.

• With immediate effect, journeys provided by Burtons on service 9/10, Monday to Friday, will transfer to Network Colchester.

The county council’s cabinet member for Highways and Transportation Cllr Tracey Chapman said: “Due to the swift response of the Council, we have minimised disruption to passengers and ensured that residents still have access to these services.

“Passengers can be reassured that services 59 and 9/10 will continue to operate on their current timetable and the only difference will be the operating company.”