Lympne: Axed daytime bus service restored after complaints

An axed daytime bus service in Kent is to be restored after complaints from users.

The route linking Lympne village with Hythe, Folkestone and Ashford was suspended in September.

But the Route 10 is to return on a trial basis from 13 November, after operator Stagecoach received objections from customers as well as councillors.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council's leader appealed to those living in the village to "use it or lose it".

Councillor Jim Martin said: "Along with the residents of Lympne we are very grateful that the company has been able to bring back the daytime buses and we fully recognise that this service must be used to protect its future."

Although school-time buses have continued to run, the village has been without a regular daytime service since the beginning of September when the company made changes to curb what it described as "ongoing and significant financial losses".

Joel Mitchell, Stagecoach managing director, said: "We've been impressed by the level of support for a bus service expressed by the local community, and also the leadership Folkestone & Hythe District Council has shown in recognising the importance of buses for sustainable transport in the district.

"As a result, I feel confident enough to place a commercial service back through Lympne, initially on a trial basis."

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