Residents on a housing estate have been told it would be a “near impossibility” to open a bus lane to all traffic but an automated bollard could be on its way.

Cllr Mike Whiting (Con) put forward suggestions from people living in Great Easthall which could have seen drivers being allowed to use the lane between Oak Road, Murston, and the estate.

At the moment residents have to use Swale Way to get in and out.

It was suggested the bus lane be used as a short-cut after Arriva stopped serving the route because of “a spate of anti-social behaviour”.

The issue was discussed at Swale’s Joint Transportation Board on January 13.

The 348 service to Mulberry Way was cut and replaced by the 349 which only goes as far as Broom Road.

Kent County Council officers recommended no further action was taken because of the need to widen the road and the possibility that buses will resume in Great Easthall.

'It would be a near impossibility to open this road up' - Cllr James Hall (Swale Ind)

Cllr James Hall (Swale Ind), who represents Murston, said: “There will be further consultations by myself and others to try to implement an automated bollard, which can only be operated and raised by the bus driver.

“This would prevent the illegal use of vehicles and allow the bus service to resume.

“It would be a near impossibility to open this road up due to the fact there is an electrical sub station in the middle of the route.

“If it was even possible to open up the road, my argument is it would further deter a relief road being built.

“I have put forward that a relief road from Great Easthall to Stones Farm on the A2 should be contemplated.”

A spokesman for Swale council, which runs the JTB, said officers are working with KCC and bus operators to find a solution.

Cllr Whiting, whose Teynham and Lynsted ward includes a large chunk of the estate, said: “Members were able to have an open discussion and residents now know the facts behind the decision.”

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne