Bus passenger power has proved just the ticket.

Hundreds of people in Gillingham launched a campaign after Arriva withdrew its service to the Asda superstore in Pier Road.

The national bus company said the route was not viable, leaving many shoppers unable to get to the supermarket on public transport.

But now Aylesford-based firm Nu-Venture has stepped in and a new route from Twydall to Chatham Waters gets on the road from Monday, July 24.

Three buses will run in the morning, each way, from Monday to Friday. If successful, the route may be extended to cover Canterbury Street and Medway Maritime Hospital.

The battle to get the route reinstated was spearheaded by councillors Pat Cooper, Andy Stamp and Clive Johnson who represent the area. Among their concerns were the potential dangers of getting to the store on foot, with customers having to use several busy roads.

Problems arose after Arriva scrapped its 176/177 bus in September which served Hazlemere Drive and Grange Road and dropped off shoppers at the doorstep.

The new 183 will cover both these areas and will include the Lower Rainham Road and Gillingham Green.

The first bus starts at 10.20am at Twydall, arriving at Asda 10.40am.

Cllr Cooper knocked on doors and lobbied passengers on buses to compile her 625-signature petition.

She said: “The petition was a valuable tool.

Our negotiations with Arriva fell through. They dug their heels in. They are a big company and just said it was not a viable route.

“Nu-Venture listened to us. I am thrilled to bits, but this was not done in isolation. I had a lot of help from council officers and my other two ward councillors.

“I shall be distributing leaflets about the new bus. We now have to make sure people use it.”