More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
People could become housebound now a bus service has been stopped at Clarendon Place, a former councillor has warned.
The number 68 bus was getting stuck at the top of the street because of the way residents’ cars were parked.
And now the service has been removed, they want to fight to get it back.
Former Labour councillor Keith Sansum said: “Although there’s a parking problem this is what needs to be addressed, not stopping the bus.”
The removal of the service was Kent County Council’s remedy to the problem.
Mr Sansum added: “In Clarendon a number of people will become housebound if this bus doesn’t serve parts or all of it.
“The council should advise householders who own cars in the street that if they park in a way that prevents the bus running then consideration will have to be made of double yellow lines on one side of the road.”
KCC press spokesman John Todd said the problems at Clarendon were disrupting the rest of the service at times.
'We have explored all avenues to try and find a solution.' - KCC's John Todd
“We have explored all avenues to try and find a solution.
"However, none has been found and, as a result, we have reluctantly taken the difficult decision to withdraw from Clarendon Place."
The service will still run from Folkestone Road.
The council has offered a year’s free membership for the Kent Karrier service in recompense. This usually costs £5 annually.
He added: “The remainder of the number 68 service is otherwise unaffected and residents can still access the bus on the main road."
The offer of the Karrier service has not diminished people’s concerns for the elderly who may have to walk uphill to the nearest bus stop.
Colleen Stroud, of Clarendon Street, said: “Older people rely on it.
Maybe it should try Clarendon Street instead of Clarendon Place as it used to come along here.
“Or they could put a notice on the car that’s blocking the buses coming through.”
