Stagecoach bus route between Herne Bay and Whitstable suspended for second time after vandals target service again

By: Jack Dyson jdyson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:00, 08 December 2020

Updated: 14:17, 08 December 2020

Part of a popular Stagecoach route has once again been declared a no-go zone - after yobs smashed the windows of three more buses.

Mindless thugs said to be wielding catapults or air rifles targeted the vehicles near St John’s Road, Whitstable, between 6pm and 7pm yesterday.

A photograph of the destroyed bus windows last month. Picture: Matthew Arnold/Twitter

This comes just eight days after the company restored its service to Westbrook Farm, Herne Bay, in the evenings in the wake of similar attacks along the route linking the towns.

But bosses have again decided to run a diversion between Greenhill and Tankerton along the Old Thanet Way after 6pm each day, until further notice.

Stagecoach South East managing director Joel Mitchell announced: “For the second time we’ve had to withdraw our service from Westbrook Farm.

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“Again, the windows are being smashed with an air rifle or catapult.

“The impact on the driver and the customers is huge, as is the cost at a time when the government is supporting us.”

Stagecoach South East’s Managing Director Joel Mitchell

This means that the Triangle route buses – which travel through Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay – journey from Greenhill Bridge to Priest and Sow.

Passengers waiting at any of the stops along the way will not be served.

There were five similar incidents during a spate of vandalism last month in the Westbrook Farm and Greenhill areas.

Each one caused damage to the buses, but the last left one of the public transport vehicles with four shattered windows.

It is understood one passenger was travelling on board the top deck of the bus at the time - but no injuries were reported.

Stagecoach bosses cancelled services last month after bus windows were smashed. Picture: Matthew Arnold/Twitter

Police say they attended the scene of yesterday’s incidents and that their investigation is ongoing.

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Stagecoach South East business development director Matthew Arnold added: "I'm bitterly disappointed. If anyone has any information which can help bring an end to this nonsense please let Kent Police know."

Officers are urging anyone with information to call them on 01843 222289, quoting the reference number 46/217147/20, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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