Furious shop owners losing 80% of their trade are continuing to put pressure on council bosses to move a bus stop which is blocking a layby where their customers used to park.

The pull-in in Faversham Road, Kennington, was previously shared by buses and customers wanting to use Savers Newsagents, Marino’s Fish Bar, Hall Hair and Ashford Dry Cleaners, but now thick yellow lines painted in January stop customers from parking up.

All four of the shop owners say they have lost out of vital passing trade as a result and are calling for the layby to be converted back to save their businesses.

Kent County Council says it will 'explore alternative measures' if they are available but Orthy Karios, owner of Marino's, explains moving the bus stop further down the road is the only option that will benefit everyone.

He said: "All the shops agree, if the bus stop is moved 100 yards down the road, it's going to be better for the people using the bus, for the bus driver not having to pull in and out of a busy road, and for the council who don't have to worry about shops closing down.

"It's the safest option and it's a win-win for everyone and that is what we’re trying to push for."

Mr Karios says since the layby became off limits his lunchtime trade has been severely impacted which – on top of the hike in energy prices and recovering from the pandemic – is having a huge impact on his business.

He said: "With the cost of gas and electricity going up, we’re paying more for things with fewer customers.

"We just watch the buses go past all day and when I say all day, I mean there are only about five or six anyway.

"If it wasn’t for how strong our community is in Kennington, I don't know how we would be surviving right now.

"God bless all of them who have stuck with us the last few months."

Yakup Yalcin, owner of Ashford Dry Cleaners, says since January, his trade has reduced by 80%.

"If we can't use the layby, we can’t trade, it’s as simple as that," he added.

"Why do we pay council tax and business rates when we get this treatment on top of it?

"I think it’s a good idea they’re considering moving it because I think it will solve the issue."

A Kent County Council spokesman said: “The bus stop mark out in Faversham Road was formalised at the request of the bus operator [Stagecoach] to improve safety for passengers.

“While safety will always be our top priority, we are aware of the strength of feeling in the community and will explore what alternative measures are available near this location.”

However Bella Patel, who runs Savers Newsagents which relies on customers being able to park up quickly, says she is sceptical any change will occur.

"Even if they gave half back to us, at least customers can park while they come in quickly," she said.

"Once customers get parking tickets, they don’t want to come back.

"We would like to see the bus stop moved opposite the green further towards town but we haven't had any communication from KCC.

"We have been here 38 years and there has never been a problem until now."

She added: "The sign says people can't park between 7am and 7pm Monday to Sunday but there are no buses on Sunday so it should really be Monday to Saturday."

'The shops rely on people who want to stop quickly...'

There is a designated car park at the rear of the shops but this is often full from residents who live in nearby flats and offers no disability access, something Matt Hall, owner of Hall Hair says has been a huge issue.

He said: "Now we’ve had a chance to get feedback from customers, certainly those that have issues with mobility say it has made it a lot harder for them to access us.

"The shops rely on people who want to stop quickly and go, if they can't do that then they drive somewhere else.

"I know they said they didn't need to consult us but did they send someone out, did they measure it, did they look at its use before doing it? Because there is no evidence they have."

And it's not just the shop owners calling for the change, a mystery protester previously coated the bus shelter with posters saying 'Shops, Layby. Protest', some of which remain today.

Cllr Howard Turner (Ind) from Byrbook ward says there are suspicions it was a loyal customer hit by a parking fine.

Also a Faversham Road resident, Cllr Turner has been involved in calls to get the layby back and welcomes further talks with KCC.

"I have thus far received no communication from KCC," he said.

"A team of KCC inspectors in high-visibility jackets inspected the layby earlier this month.

"I am not aware anyone has heard their conclusions. I have not."

A Stagecoach spokesman said it is "not aware of any proposal to relocate the stop elsewhere along the road".

"KCC Highways has been in contact with us and we understand it is exploring potential solutions," he added.