It could be all change for passengers using buses in Maidstone.

Kent County Council wants to slash countywide public transport budgets in order to balance the books.

Cutting evening services on Arriva’s 89 route between Maidstone and Coxheath, which also serves Loose Road and Linton, would save Kent County Council £23,677.

Transport bosses have pledged to re-route the existing number 5 through Coxheath to ensure no passengers are left stranded.

Maidstone council has given this plan its support.

In a report, planning officer Steve Clarke said: “The council is satisfied the proposed changes to service 89 affecting Coxheath by the removal of direct evening services appear to be adequately compensated for by the diversion of service 5 to serve the village in the evenings.

“As long as the changes are adequately signposted to current evening users and doesn’t result in any loss of service, then the council does not object.”

Mr Clarke's letter added: "It is also hoped with identified committed development in the village of Coxheath, it may be possible in the future to reinstate 89 evening services to the village on a commercial basis."

Most services in the county are run commercially by firms like Arriva and Nu-Venture, but for about 30 years the county council has given a subsidy towards running routes which are not commercially viable, but considered important to communities and passengers.

Across the county, KCC has identified savings of £680,000 from the budget without reducing routes – often considered a lifeline in rural areas. But that falls short of a £1m savings target.

The consultation closed in May and plans will be considered by KCC members in August.

Councillors will be asked to note the feedback at the strategic planning, sustainability and transportation committee, at Maidstone Town Hall, tonight (Tuesday) 6.30pm.