Sittingbourne bus and coach operator Chalkwell is to replace two services operated by Arriva.

Chalkwell is to take over the 360 and 361 routes which link Leysdown, Eastchurch, Minster, Queenborough, Rushenden and Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey.

Arriva had planned to hand back the services in June but has agreed to wait until July.

Chalkwell will take over on Monday, July 12.

There has been no announcement about the 367 service which runs from Sheerness to Warden Point and which Arriva also announced it was giving up.

Residents had been faced with the prospect of losing services to schools, shops and the Island's community hospital.

Roland Eglinton, Chalkwell's managing director, said: "Our business was formed in Sheerness by my late grandfather in 1931, making 2021 our 90th year.

"We have a long association with serving the people of Sheppey and we currently operate buses across Swale and Medway to a high standard, including daily buses from Sheerness and Minster to Sittingbourne schools.

"These new services are a natural evolution for our business. We very much look forward to working with the people of Sheppey.”

Sheerness bus company Travelmasters had also said it was interested in running the services abandoned by Arriva.

News of Arriva's plans to drop three of its Island services was made public last week. It also wants to close its Sheerness bus depot.

Full timetables will be provided later. The bus company says the new services will replicate the existing Arriva ones "where possible".

To receive updates on the new routes visit www.chalkwell.co.uk/sheppeybuses

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