Stagecoach has temporarily suspended services to a number of streets in a town following a spate of vandalism against its buses.

Bosses have been forced to take action in part of Ashford after vandals hurled a rock at a window on Tuesday night.

They say they "cannot tolerate the dangerous and reckless attacks" and have cut services in the north Kennington area after 5pm.

It means the B route is only running as far as Faversham Road this week and is not serving Trinity Road, Hurst Road or Towers View.

Liz Barrett, who has lived in Kennington for six years with her husband, says she is disappointed to hear buses have had to stop because of vandalism.

"It is horrifying and a real concern that drivers and passengers cannot be safe on a bus," Mrs Barrett said.

"I think it is really worrying and a very sad state of affairs.

"We watch the buses going backwards and forwards, and we can see lots of people do use them.

"People need them and it is important they continue to run."

Police say they are investigating Tuesday's incident, which happened in Rothbrook Drive off Hurst Road at about 9.50pm.

It comes less than two months after services were suspended when stone-throwing yobs damaged a number of buses in the same part of Kennington.

Mrs Barrett feels better CCTV would help prevent the incidents, which have not resulted in any injuries.

"Ideally if we could get cameras facing onto the road or the pavement, to where the people throwing the stones are, as well as inside the buses, then maybe that would help," she said.

"The quality of the cameras could also be improved so the people can be recognised.

"It is a shame and people who are doing this vandalism need to realise the importance of what they are doing.

"They have got to be good-quality cameras otherwise it is a waste of time putting more in place."

Cllr Nathan Iliffe (Con), who represents the Kennington ward on Ashford Borough Council, hit out at the "selfish and criminal actions of a minority".

"Stagecoach restricted the B line in November and it had an unfortunate and negative effect on Kennington residents who use the service," he said.

"Walking further to a bus stop, particularly on dark evenings, can cause difficulties for the people who rely on the service – some of whom may be elderly or disabled.

"I completely understand why Stagecoach has taken this action, it needs to protect its passengers, its drivers and its property.

"It is incredibly disappointing that people are partaking in this mindless vandalism.

"It has been suggested by some that the perpetrators are young people.

"I urge any parents and carers whose young people are local to the area and have been out in recent evenings, to have a conversation with them at home."

"If anyone has any information we urge them to contact the police..."

Cllr Iliffe has written to Stagecoach, Kent Police and the community safety unit at Ashford Borough Council to "encourage agencies to work together to find a solution to this situation".

In a statement, a Stagecoach spokesman confirmed one of its buses was targeted on Tuesday night "with a rock or stone".

"A window was damaged, but thankfully no one was injured," they said.

"We cannot tolerate dangerous and reckless attacks that threaten the safety of our passengers and colleagues as well as other road users.

"As a temporary measure, we have reluctantly taken the decision to suspend services in the north Kennington area after 5pm.

"Route B buses will run as far as Faversham Road and won't serve Trinity Road, Hurst Road or Towers View.

"If anyone has any information we urge them to contact the police."

Police say inquiries are ongoing but no suspects have been identified following Tuesday's incident.

On the other side of Ashford, buses were pelted with eggs and other missiles on the Bridgefield estate in November, forcing bosses to temporarily withdraw services.

Anyone with information which may assist the Kennington investigation should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/246665/22.