NIGHT-TIME buses linking Maidstone with the Medway Towns could return this autumn.

Maidstone Town Centre Management have met bus operator Arriva, local taxi firms and clubs to discuss the issue.

It is one of a number of initiatives being considered to limit the impact of the estimated 25,000 revellers who descend on the county town each weekend.

These include late opening times for the Chequers Shopping Centre car park where youngsters would exchange £1 tickets for discounted entry to the town's major night spots.

Direct telephone links for taxi firms inside clubs is another option being explored to help disperse late night crowds trying to get home.

Maidstone town centre manager Bill Moss said: "We discussed our wish to put on night buses that would run every half hour to help clear Maidstone in the middle of the night. The reaction was positive."

The Safer Maidstone Partnership, comprising the police, Kent County Council and Maidstone Council, is keeping a close eye on a pilot scheme in Thanet.

There, two 68-seater buses pick up from Margate town centre between midnight and 2.15am with passengers paying a flat £1 fee, regardless of the length of their journey.

A Maidstone council spokesman said: "We are working with our partners to examine the feasibility of a limited 'drop-off' service."

The last attempt, two years ago, to launch a night bus service in Maidstone, with pick-up points in Newington, Sittingbourne and the Medway Towns, failed to take off.

Mr Moss said that it was hoped targeted services, cheaper fares and better publicity would ensure the latest intiative enjoyed better success.

Discussions on the proposals are continuing.