Stagecoach plans to close its Folkestone depot while also considering the future of routes in the area.

The bus operator is proposing to shut its site in Kent Road, Cheriton, in September, with operations transferred to its bases in Dover and Ashford.

The company has also confirmed it will be talking with Kent County Council about the future of a “small number” of bus routes that “fail to recover their running costs”.

The firm says the viability of its operations in Folkestone has declined over recent years, accelerated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rising costs, less passengers and traffic congestion have also forced Stagecoach to make changes.

It is currently in discussion with Kent County Council about the future of these loss-making services:

*Route 70 (Shorncliffe – Golden Valley – town centre)

*Route 73 (Hawkinge – Park Farm – town centre)

*Route 74/74A (East Cliff – town centre – Broadmead)

*Route 75 (Holywell – Downs Road – town centre)

*Route 16A (Hythe Grebe Crescent to Folkestone) morning only journey

*Route 16B (Hythe Prince of Wales to Folkestone and Hawkinge) afternoon only journey

*105 (Lydd to Folkestone) morning only journey

Route 16 will become a Folkestone to Canterbury route and no longer operate between Folkestone and Hythe.

There will be additional buses on route 102 to provide connections at Folkestone bus station for passengers who use the 16 service to or from Hythe, Seabrook or Sandgate,

Joel Mitchell, managing director of Stagecoach south east, said: “We have been forced to consider some very difficult options, which we know will have a significant impact on a number of our colleagues in Folkestone and potentially affect some parts of the communities we serve in the area.

“Before and during the pandemic, we did everything we could to protect jobs and bus services, but the impact of such a challenging environment over a number of years means we have reached the point where we have no alternative but to make changes.

“It’s vital for us that we adapt and find alternatives to passing on costs to our passengers in the form of raising fares. By taking this action I am confident we can start to build a strong base for the future, from which we can expand when circumstances allow.

“Our priority now is to support our colleagues who are affected, provide as many options as we can for them, and work hard to ensure that the impact on our services is minimal.”

He added: “We are also in discussions with Kent County Council about the future of a small number of local services in the area that don’t generate enough revenue to cover their operating costs.”

Stagecoach says most employees and bus services are expected to be retained as part of the reorganisation.

The company is in discussions with employees and the trade union about the options for staff, with the vast majority of the 160 people employed at its Folkestone base eligible for relocation to another depot.

It has confirmed the proposed closure would not affect the bus station at Bouverie Square in Folkestone.

The changes will take effect from September 3.