A public consultation has been set up over proposed cuts to 11 "supported" bus services around Kent.

Local services in the county are at risk from Kent County Council's plans to reduce its £6m budget for services to £4.3million.

Currently, there are 127 bus contracts supported by KCC, including a mix of support and funding for specific journeys, such as on Sundays.

Now, the county council is asking for residents to share their views on the proposed reduction of its bus services.

The county council has proposed to cut about 48 contracts, marking around 37% of the total number of services supported by KCC.

The KCC document shows that in Maidstone and Malling the biggest saving will come from the X1/X2 services between the County Town and West Malling/Kings Hill. This comes in at £207,721, while a KCC could save £126,000 by cutting the Maidstone to Grafty Green route.

The X1/X2 weekday services between Kings Hill and Maidstone are at risk, along with the 208/209 from East Peckham, near Tonbridge, to Pembury.

'I would encourage anyone with a view about our plans to get in touch...'

Other routes at risk include 8, 9, 343, 344 and 345 in Sittingbourne Rurals; the 58 from Addington to Maidstone and 17 from Folkestone to Canterbury.

A supported bus service is one that is not deemed economically viable for private bus operators to run themselves, but regarded as socially important.

Councils can step in to plug the gaps for services.

This includes Kent Karrier, a dial-a-ride service which provides cheap travel for the elderly, residents who live in rural areas and those with serious health conditions.

Notably the small village of Detling village faces the possibility of being cut off completely. This comes after the civil parish already suffered major cuts in 2016. This saw the 333 and 334 Arriva routes between Detling and Maidstone stopped after 9.30am.

If the cuts are approved, changes will be implemented in August 2022.

KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, David Brazier, said: “In the last few months running up to our annual budget review, we have had to take some very tough decisions in order to ensure the services we have to provide by law have the funds they need.

“Bus services are crucial to many and I know some of these routes are incredibly important to the communities they serve around Kent, which is why we are so keen to hear from people who will be affected by these proposed service withdrawals.

“I would encourage anyone with a view about our plans to get in touch to help inform the way we shape our Supported Bus service going forward.”

The public consultation opens today and will close on Wednesday, April 20.

Since the news of proposed cuts a petition has been set up for Kent County Council to reconsider them.

Maidstone Green Party member Stuart Jeffery, who started the petition, said: “With the dire state of Maidstone’s already congested roads, rising fuel prices and the requirements for strong action on climate change, bus services need to be invested in, not cut.

“These services are the ones that have previously been supported by KCC for good reason, the services are there for those most in need, including the Kent Karrier scheme.

“KCC should not cut bus services, particularly those for people who need them most. We need more buses not more cars.”

You can sign the petition here. .

Click here to view the full list of the services proposed to be withdrawn and take part in the consultation.

For queries or requests for hard copies, email bussavings@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 421437 referencing KCC Bus Funding Reduction.

For any alternative formats, email alternativeformats@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 42 15 53 (text relay service number 18001 03000 42 15 53).

Both phone numbers go to answer machines, which are monitored during office hours.