Villagers feel 'isolated' as bus route axed

Many in in the village of Crockenhill say they have been left wondering how they will get around

Residents in a Kent village say they will be left with no bus service after finding out their local route is to be withdrawn.

The 477 bus service — which operates between Orpington and Dartford via Crockenhill, Swanley, Hextable and Wilmington — is to be stopped at the end of October.

But locals in the village of Crockenhill said the move would leave many "isolated".

Bus operator Arriva said the decision followed a sustained period of very low passenger usage, and it deemed the route no longer sustainable.

Regular 477 bus user Pauline Whittle said: "If we didn't have a car, we'd have to get a taxi to get into Swanley for doctors' appointments and shopping.

"I have a mobility issue as well and can't walk the mile to town, so Arriva need to rethink their decision."

Fellow resident Peter McCormack said he feared the lack of buses would stop him accessing essential services.

"I recently gave up my car for health reasons and rely on this regular bus service to take me to appointments," he said.

"I don't know what I'll do without it."

Peter McCormack said he did not know what he will do without the 477 bus service

Swanley-based operator GoCoach runs a service on the Swanley to Dartford section of the route.

Swanley Town Council leader Michael Horwood said he had met with GoCoach to talk about replacing the 477 service and continuing the "vital morning service for those in the area going to work or school".

He added that Kent County Council were also working with GoCoach about what it may be able to deliver "in terms of a replacement peak service".

The council has been approached for comment.

An Arriva spokesperson said it understood the disappointment and that the decision regarding the 477 had "not been taken lightly".

"Changes to National Insurance contributions earlier this year, along with the introduction of a competing service between Swanley to Dartford by another operator has significantly impacted commercial viability of continuing the route," they added.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Safeguarding socially necessary bus services is vital.

"Our landmark Bus Services Bill includes measures to help protect these routes, giving councils the freedom to identify socially necessary local services, and work with bus operators to consider different options before these services are changed or cancelled."

GoCoach has also been approached for comment.