A bus route has been partially suspended due to vandals repeatedly damaging vehicles.

The 71 Arriva service between Snodland and Maidstone has been diverted due to yobs throwing “stones and missiles” for four days running.

The problems started on Friday (October 25) when the bus company confirmed it had had to alter its route for the safety of staff and passengers.

But, since Monday, it has reported the same problems every day as it passes the Holborough Lakes estate.

Speaking to KentOnline earlier this week (Wednesday), a spokesperson for Arriva said: "Due to a group of youths throwing stones and missiles at some of our buses last night we took the tough decision to stop serving the housing estate and Holborough, the safety of our passengers and drivers is of paramount importance.

“We do not tolerate any incidents of antisocial behaviour.

“We are working closely with Travel-Safe and the local councillors to try and alleviate the poor behaviour.”

In the last week the bus service has had four windows smashed.

Drivers have also had to stop buses due to barriers and other objects being left in the carriageway, only for the vehicles to be attacked while they are stationary.

As a result, Arriva has now said the diversion will be in place every evening from 5.30pm until Monday, November 11.

Until then the service will not stop at St Katherine’s Lane, Dryland Road, Freelands Road, St Benedict Road, Constitution Hill, Cemetery Road and Holborough. This means it will also not be serving Snodland station.

Some passengers have taken to social media to react to the issue.

One said: “So unfair, it’s too far for me to walk so I don’t know how I'm going to get to work now but I understand why they've decided to do this.”

Another added: “I’m a bus driver – there’s a big issue with Snodland. It’s costing thousands every time one bus is damaged. I wouldn’t be surprised if the company pull out.”