Children are having their start to the new school year disrupted by a bus which has repeatedly failed to turn up for part of its route.

The Arriva 481 service from Bluewater to Riverview Park in Gravesend is meant to stop at Johnsons Way in Greenhithe before heading into Swanscombe and beyond, with lots of children waiting to be picked up at 7.49am.

However, plenty of pupils have been left stranded multiple times during the past fortnight and made late in their bid to reach their schools on time.

Arriva is aware of the issue but some parents have run out of patience.

Lisa Ayres, 43, has twice had to drive her daughter, Ellise, 11, from their home in Hasted Close to Northfleet School for Girls because of the bus’s no-show.

She said: “I phoned Arriva and they said they would look into it but they have not got back to me.

“On Tuesday morning it didn’t appear and my daughter came back home at 8am and said she didn’t know where it was.

“I downloaded their app to make sure the bus was en route and it was in Swanscombe, so it had completely missed out part of its route. When I got her to school, I saw the bus there.”

Tuesday morning was the fourth time in two weeks the bus had failed to show up. Hopping on the bus at Johnsons Way at 7.49am is the latest Ellise can get it, in order to get to school on time for 8.40am.

Northfleet School for Girls is aware of the problem, so Ellise did not get into trouble for being late last Monday, but her mum is still not happy.

“This bus pass is costing me £270 and in two weeks we’ve had four buses that haven’t turned up,” she said.

“On a couple of days, Ellise has taken the Fastrack because it might be a little bit more reliable, but it’s a long walk and she’s only 11.

“As I drive along taking her to school, I can see other children waiting half an hour for another bus to come along. It’s not good enough.”

Arriva was contacted for comment and is aware of the issue, but did not provide an official response before the Messenger went to print on Wednesday morning.