A Swanley council leader has declared war on bus subsidy cuts designed to save an additional £500,000 – on top of £1million already achieved.

KCC announced last week it was looking to collectively make further savings across the county affecting 17 bus services.

One of these impacts on the 477 Swanley to Dartford route and also the 477 Swanley to Orpington leg.

KCC is proposing to axe only its subsidised bus journeys on these runs but the remainder of the timetable – buses operated commercially by bus companies – currently remains unaffected.

A “consultation seeking passengers’ views” on the subsidised routes has started and will last until May 15, says KCC. In the case of Swanley the authority is considering axing:

n The subsidised Swanley to Dartford evening journeys - from Swanley Rail Station – eliminating the 2010, 2110, 2210 and 2310 on Saturdays.

“This is totally unacceptable. People will be up in arms. These bus services are very much used by Swanley residents. These routes have been used for years – people need their buses." Cllr Tony Searles

n And on the Swanley to Orpington leg it is proposed to axe subsidised runs currently scheduled on Saturdays from Swanley High Street at 1924, 2024, 2124, 2224, and 2324.

The first broadside was fired in anger by Cllr Tony Searles, (Con), leader of Swanley Town Council: “This is totally unacceptable. People will be up in arms.

“These bus services are very much used by Swanley residents. These routes have been used for years – people need their buses.

“I’ll now be conversing with my KCC colleagues who cover the Swanley division to see if we can avert these cuts.”

KCC argues it already spends £6.4 million on bus subsidies but pressure continues to find more savings.

Matthew Balfour, KCC cabinet member for environment and transport, said central government demands for more budget cuts continued unabated.

“We will continue to work with bus operators to explore more imaginative options for service provision and look for new sources of funding”

He added: “A series of changes have been identified for around 17 services and, as there will be some implications for passengers, we are completing a full public consultation on them.”