A bus service in parts of Bury St Edmunds will be cut due to insufficient passenger numbers.

Stephensons of Essex will withdraw its Breeze 3 service in Moreton Hall from next week after running the route since 2012.

Mulley’s Coaches, which also operate on the estate, will continue to operate its M33 service.

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “The Moreton Hall estate has a long history of operators trying to make the route profitable and all failing to do so due to insufficient passenger numbers using he services.

“Stephensons has operated these routes since April 2012 so have given them a reasonable chance to attract sufficient passengers.”

He added the council was “currently in negotiations with another operator” to provide a service into Bury at approximately the same time and was exploring longer- term solutions.

Trevor Beckwith, who represents the area at the county council, said he believed that there simply wasn’t enough business for two operators on the estate and hoped the cutting of the service wouldn’t “compromise too many people”.

The change follows the launch of an online travel survey designed by the town’s county and community discussion group Our Place.

Green county councillor Mark Ereira said it was important to see what people could embrace when it comes to getting around.

“We have a chance here in Bury to really go for more sustainable travel options – walking and cycling keeps you fit, healthy and feeling alive.

“We need to see if people are willing to change they want to see in their local environment.”

Mr Ereira said that there was a tendency for people to not use buses if they did not have a pass.

He added: “Moreton Hall has the highest level of driving to work in county.”