Part of a well-used bus route has become a no-go zone for drivers after they were pelted by catapults, obstructed by debris and shot at with air rifles.

The single bus stop in Dering Way, Gravesend, served many residents across multiple housing developments, but buses are no longer stopping there after more than 100 drivers signed a letter refusing to drive along the road.

Arriva’s 190 service from Chatham Maritime to Gravesend stopped in Dering Way seven days a week and was the most convenient way for people to get into the town centre. Now they face a 10-minute walk to get to the nearest available stop.

Many of those who regularly caught the bus were elderly people, who relied on it to go about their day-to-day lives. Some have been left housebound because of the walk.

Ann Clark, 75, of Allington Close, said: “They have had two lots of bricks put through the window and an air rifle shot. The driver was very shaken up.

“You used to see police officers quite regularly round here on patrol but you never see anybody now.”

She said the longer walk now made her think twice about what she buys when she is out.

She continued: “I used the bus every few days to go into town.

“I walk up to the top of the road to get any bus I can but now I have to think about what I buy when I shop. There are people worse off than me – there are people around here who use frames or sticks who are now housebound.

“You need a bus because you have got all these new houses being built down here.”

Valerie Jacobs, of Damigos Road, which is directly off Dering Way, said: “I don’t like to drive all the time and do catch the bus, so this isn’t good. A lot of people caught that bus for work and to get to school and they have to walk up to the main road now.

“I haven’t witnessed any of the vandalism but I have heard a few people talking about youngsters throwing things at the bus when it drives up towards the roundabout to turn around.”

Police are aware of the issue and officers were due to attend a meeting with residents and ward councillor Lyn Milner (Lab) at North Kent Police Station in Thames Way, Northfleet, yesterday (Wednesday).

Cllr Milner said: “I do understand why the buses have been stopped, as the important thing is to protect the safety of the drivers and the passengers.

“I would like to be hopeful that the bus will be reinstated. It’s dear to my heart that the people of the estate do get a bus service.”

Gravesham council’s crime support unit is also investigating and MP Adam Holloway is among those working with Arriva in a bid to restore the service.

Arriva Marketing Manager Richard Lewis said: “We have had to take the unusual step of withdrawing our service from Dering Way as a result of ongoing anti-social behaviour towards our buses.

“Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and, for the safety of our drivers and customers, we felt it necessary to discontinue using this road for the foreseeable future.

“We are working with the police and local MP Adam Holloway in the hope of bringing the culprits to justice so that we can again provide a service to this area for the benefit of its residents.”

Unite regional officer Dave Weeks said: “Unite can confirm that members, who drive for Arriva, are not taking their buses down Dering Way in Gravesend because they are being targeted by vandals/travellers throwing debris at them, putting barriers in the road and using air rifles against them.

"This is completely unacceptable on a public thoroughfare.

“Our members have signed a 174-strong petition relating to these attacks and have not driven down that route since last October 29 because of concerns for their safety as well as those of their passengers.

"They are being supported by the firm’s management in this stand.

“This is clearly a matter for the police who need to take the appropriate action to ensure these attacks cease and that the route is safe to drive through once more.”