A rural bus service axed by Stagecoach leaving villagers isolated is being revived thanks to a new volunteer-driven scheme.

There was dismay when the company dropped the number 3 bus, which covered villages around Faversham, saying it was rarely used and no longer viable.

The cuts, in June 2022, which also affected other routes in the Canterbury district, left many villagers without cars stranded and unable to get to shops and other services, like doctors and dentist surgeries.

But a travel survey carried out by Faversham Town Council (FTC) confirmed a demand from people living in Newnham, Doddington, Lynsted and Oare and last week the new hopper bus service was launched.

The vehicle, a 12-seater Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus with wheelchair provision, was bought following a successful bid by FTC for a Kent County Council Community Transport Grant of £60,000.

Rob Gibbs, who is community transport project manager at the town council, then set about recruiting a number of volunteer drivers, who all have backgrounds in public vehicle services or lorry driving and are suitably licence-qualified.

Two routes were identified with the FH1 bus providing a circular service connecting Oare and the outskirts of Faversham into the town centre - but only on Wednesdays.

However, the FH2 bus runs on Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays, and connects Newnham, Doddington, Lynsted, Teynham, Oare, and the outskirts of Faversham to the town centre.

Concessionary bus passes are accepted on both services, with fares of £2 or £3, depending on the distance travelled.

Full timetables and more information can be found on the town council website and paper copies obtained from the Faversham Visitor Information Centre at 12 Market Place.

The new services have already been well received with resident Alastair Greason commenting: “Well done to everyone who is involved in setting up and operating this invaluable service.”

Passenger Alex Freeman-Bate added: “Thanks to the volunteers who helped me today with my wheelchair, made me feel safe on the journeys and I'll definitely be using the service a lot now that I know the process.”

Chair of FTC’s Community Transport Working Group, Cllr Claire Martin said: “This has been an excellent project to work on and I would like to thank everyone involved.”