A park and ride could open on the outskirts of Herne Bay after regeneration chiefs entered talks about the proposal, the Gazette can reveal.

Residents want to see a service introduced near the new bus station in Eddington Lane, which would see buses run from the railway station into the town centre.

Cllr Andrew Cook (Con) said the idea – which has received a mixed reaction from traders – will be considered by Herne Bay’s regeneration committee soon.

Beltinge resident Nigel Hancock, founder of Herne Bay 4 Business group, said: “I would definitely welcome it, but I do have reservations that it would never be busy enough.

“I also have concerns they would then be tempted to reduce the number of car park spaces in the town if they had a park and ride.

“I think it could work, particularly for those wanting to visit the seafront for more than four hours – anything like a park and ride that might encourage a family to stay all day has got to be a good thing.”

Cllr Cook said the park and ride car park could be built on scrubland in Eddington Lane, close to the new bus station.

Visitors would then use the pedestrian tunnel under the railway line to access the train station, where buses would pick them up and drop them in town.

Mr Hancock, 60, added: “It needs to be good value for money.

“People need to see the advantage in it, that it’s cheaper than parking in the town, or you can park for longer and not worry about your car.

“In balance it’s a great thing, but in practice it remains to be seen if it is successful.”

Cllr Cook said discussions would have to be had with landowners and Kent County Council.

"We’re very happy to take part in any discussions with the city council regarding a park and ride service for Herne Bay..." - Matt Maytum

He said: “It’s not my idea, but somebody said we have got a transport hub there with the bus and train station and the park and ride could go there, too.

“We have never had a park and ride in Herne Bay, but we are very aware that if we remove the overflow car park which was in King’s Road, we are now at a fine balance on parking.

“To do it we have got to need extra parking spaces and demand would have to come first.

“We would need to find a place to put it and it needs to be within easy walking distance of the railway station.

“We are not going to rush. It’s not a priority, but getting ahead of ourselves is the best way to be. It will definitely be discussed – there’s no doubt about that.”

STAGECOACH COMMENT

Stagecoach spokesman Matt Maytum welcomed the idea.

He said: “We’re very happy to take part in any discussions with the city council regarding a park and ride service for Herne Bay.

“The connection between the rail station and Herne Bay’s central High Street is well-served by up to eight buses every hour.

“We would certainly be happy to look at ways to accommodate any proposed park and ride customers along this route.”