Inconsiderate parkers have put an end to a popular bus service.

Norman Kemp, the owner of the Nu-Venture bus company, has announced that his 78A service, which runs from Barming to Maidstone via Queens Road, will no longer divert around Shaftesbury Drive, because his buses frequently can’t get through.

Shaftesbury Drive is a U-shaped residential crescent that links to Queens Road at both ends.

Mr Kemp said: “It’s a bitter disappointment. We’ve struggled with this for a number of years and made repeated appeals to both the local parking authority and the highways authority. But everyone’s best efforts have been unable to resolve the situation.

“We had hoped that when a large car park extension was opened on the Oakwood Park campus that it might ease the situation, but it seems to have made little difference. Often the bus just can’t get through.

“People will still be able to pick up the bus in Queens Road, a short walk away, but we won’t be able to provide the doorstep service that was so appreciated especially by the elderly and those a little unsteady on their pins.”

Mr Kemp said: “It does make you wonder what would happen if a fire engine or an ambulance needed to go up the road. We are using the smallest vehicle we have availalble, and if we can’t get through, how would they?”

The service will cease to visit Shaftesbury Drive from Monday, February 2.