A 'vital' bus route in Ashford that was due to be scrapped later this month has been saved for another year as funding has been pledged by the council.

The G line, which runs from Godinton Park to South Willesborough, was due to end on April 19 after operator Stagecoach claimed the service was 'unviable'.

It had received partial subsidy from Kent County Council (KCC) until April 2019, but despite this cut, operator Stagecoach continued to run the route.

However the Covid crisis saw passenger numbers collapse, only recovering to around 70% of pre-pandemic levels today, leading to the decision to axe the route.

Passengers reacted with anger claiming the service is “a vital bus route” which people without access to cars rely on to access the town centre and railway station.

After talks between Ashford Borough Council and Stagecoach, the service has been given a 12-month reprieve and will continue from April 19.

However, it will be at a reduced frequency of one bus an hour, compared to the current service every 30 minutes.

The G route links two sides of Ashford from Godinton Park and Repton Park with the Orbital Park via Bank Street in the town centre, the railway station, Newtown and South Willesborough.

Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) said: “A successful local public transport network is essential to the economy of Ashford and is a key component of our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2030.

"The loss of any bus service is always a concern but I was particularly worried about the impact that the withdrawal of the G-route would have on the accessibility of the town centre for residents.

“I made a personal request to Stagecoach to reconsider their decision and we looked at several ideas to prevent this route from disappearing altogether.

"I am pleased that we have reached an agreement to preserve this service and I’d like to thank the operator for adopting such a positive approach to our discussions.

“Together, the council and Stagecoach will do everything we can to promote the G-route but one thing is clear – if people don’t use it then they will lose it. I would urge people to support this route.

"It’s only by attracting more passengers and generating more revenues that this 12 month reprieve can be turned into something longer lasting, for the benefit of the community.”

Matthew Arnold, commercial director for Stagecoach South East, said: “We welcome this 12 month commitment from Ashford Borough Council which will ensure people in Godinton Park, Newtown and South Willesborough continue to benefit from a bus service.

“I want to thank Cllr Clarkson for his energy and determination in supporting this service.

"It's vital we work closely with local government to secure the breathing space needed for struggling services to recover while people are cautiously returning to use public transport after the pandemic.

“With the right public policies and investment, buses will play a vital long-term role in connecting our communities and boosting the local economy.

"We're firmly committed to working jointly with local authority partners to maximise the scope of good quality bus connections for the community.”

Ashford MP Damian Green said he received an avalanche of messages from constituents about the decision to axe the route when the announcement was first made.

Having heard the news today, he tweeted: "Good to see that a service is being maintained on the G bus line in Ashford.

"Only one bus an hour, but considerably better than nothing."