A BUS company has lost thousands of pounds and been forced to take buses off the roads because of yobs and vandals.

Thugs have been targeting the Amberlee bus fleet in Cliffe and Strood, smashing windows, destroying seating and threatening drivers.

The company has been forced to pay out £30,000 to repair broken windows and say they have lost at least £20,000 in fares since the buses were taken off the roads in these areas at the beginning of November.

Four drivers have also quit since the trouble began 18 months ago and others are refusing to work evenings because of concerns over their safety.

Lee Wilde, owner of the company based in Northfleet, said: "When we started the business we never expected this kind of trouble. It has gradually been getting worse and is now unbelievable. I am at the end of my tether.

"Drivers should be able to get on with their jobs without having to worry. One day a driver is going to get killed if things carry on like this.

A spokesperson for Medway police said: "We are currently in discussions with Medway Council and Amberlee buses regarding the situation in Cliffe. We are in the process of implementing a number of initiatives that we believe will allow the buses to be reinstated in the near future."