A town will once again be able to access a shopping centre directly following the start of a six-month bus route trial.

The 477 service, which starts in Swanley, stopped running to Darent Valley Hospital and Bluewater – only going as far as Dartford in October 2022.

This meant many people living in the town who did not drive had no direct way of getting to hospital appointments and back.

Since the full service was axed, Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott has been working with local councillors to encourage Arriva to re-consider the decision.

Following a meeting last week, the bus company has agreed to a six-month bus trial which launched on Monday (July 29). These services will run off-peak.

Arriva has also changed its timetable to make the existing services “more reliable”.

At the start of July, Swanley’s Neighbourhood Plan was approved, which identified transport as a big concern for people living in the town.

Former government minister, Ms Trott said: “Following our long and hard fought campaign, I am so thrilled that today marks the start of the 477 bus route trial, stopping at Bluewater and Darent Valley Hospital.

“Last week I met with staff and management from Arriva, including the network manager Tony Bull.

“I boarded the bus in Swanley, and stopped off at Hextable and Wilmington, so I could meet the local councillors who worked so hard to secure the trial including Kent County Councillor Perry Cole, Leader of Swanley Council Michael Horwood and Swanley Town Council chief executive officer Ryan Hayman, as well as Wilmington Councillors Av Sandhu and George Holt.

“A huge thank you to Arriva for listening, and commencing this six-month trial.

“But in order to make it permanent we need people to use it – so please do everything you can to help make this a success.”