A bus firm has blamed "unforeseen circumstances" for the fact people were left waiting for hours.

Passengers in Rushenden, on Sheppey, either had to go home or head to the nearest train station when the 368 Minster to Rushenden and 361 Sheerness to Queensway didn't show.

Rosina Mackenzie, who is 80, was trying to get from Rushenden to Sheerness.

"The 9.30am, 10.30am and 11.30am buses on the 361 service didn't come," she said.

"We only get one bus an hour now as it is. Sometimes they just don't turn up but today was the first time there hadn't been one for hours."

She added: "I haven't got my own transport and I rely on the buses. If, supposing, I had a doctor's appointment this morning, there's no way I would've made it. I would've had to pay out for a taxi and I am 80. It's ridiculous.

"For a little Island like this, I'm sure something could be made better with the bus services."

"We only get one bus an hour now as it is..."

Keith Hitchings, from Queenborough, said people waited at the bus stop in First Avenue, Rushenden, for the 361 and 368 but they "seemed to have vanished this morning".

He added: "Some passengers turned around after waiting for nearly two hours and went home, while others walked up to Queenborough Railway Station to catch a train."

An Arriva spokesman said: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, there have been a number of issues on several of our services on Sheppey today.

"We are working extremely hard to ensure our services remain as efficient as possible, and we are aiming to be back to our normal schedule as soon as we can.

"In the meantime, we apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers this morning."

The spokesman said they could not elaborate on what the unforeseen circumstances were.

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