Bus firm Chalkwell has announced it will take over the running of a major route.

The 334 service is currently run by Arriva, taking passengers from Waterloo Street in Maidstone to Tesco in Sheerness.

However, the company said on Thursday it will be cancelling 10 services – the 334 being one of them – by July 23 due to loss in council subsidy and lack of passengers.

Chalkwell is now lined-up to take over the running of the route between Sheerness and Sittingbourne on July 24.

Managing director Roland Eglinton said: “The 334 service provides a vital link for the people of Swale.

“In recent years the service has been downsized, but users can look forward to an expanded service with buses every 30 minutes throughout most of the day.

“Areas such as Iwade are growing rapidly, so there is an even greater need for buses that we are aiming to meet.”

The bus company has also said it will continue to take part in the Governments £2 maximum fare scheme.

Passengers wishing to get from Sheerness to Maidstone will still be able to do so by changing to the Stagecoach X3 service in Sittingbourne.

The X3 also serves Canterbury and Faversham.