Southend Council has confirmed it will continue supporting Stephensons of Essex's 17 and 17A services, helping maintain connections between the Highlands Estate, West Leigh and key destinations across the area. Funding for the 17 and 17A extension into the Highlands Estate has been extended for a further 12 months from July 2026. The services are funded through the Department for Transport's Local Authority Bus Grant and form part of Southend's Bus Service Improvement Plan. Extension - Southend Council will continue funding the 17 and 17A (Image: Southend Council)Council leaders say the routes play an important role in helping residents access employment, education, healthcare and leisure facilities. “Alongside this investment in local bus services, the government's free bus travel offer for children aged five to 15 throughout August gives families another opportunity to make the most of Southend's bus network this summer.”