Fleet diverted over rock hurling

A bus firm was forced to divert part of its fleet as troublesome children threw rocks at vehicles during Halloween.

Nu Venture boss Norman Kemp said the mindless “mucking about” in Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, meant it was no longer safe for services to travel through that particular area last Wednesday night.

The bus company has experienced similar issues in Snodland and Ringlestone in the past and Mr Kemp has called for the craze to stop. He said: “There seems to be an epidemic of it. We are a bit of an easy target. If a window breaks it could shower a passen- ger with glass.

“During the Tovil incident the driver was aware that there were kids at the side of the road mucking about.

“The driver heard rattling on the side of the bus and pulled ahead. There was no damage but we decided the bus behind would be diverted in case children were lying in wait.”

The buses were driven down Lower Road to avoid the yobs. The matter was reported to the police and Tovil Parish Council.

He added: “We have previously had eggs thrown at buses in Kings Hill. It is an occupational hazard at this time of year and it shouldn’t be. I don’t know whether or not it is a social media craze but it has got to stop. “