New Bus Shelter for London Road

We are delighted that a new bus shelter has been installed by the Crown building in
London Road. The Council’s resident survey in 2024 highlighted that the lack of a bus
shelter was an issue for residents. This bus stop is well used by commuters, school
children, visitors and residents, and so the Council decided that the installation of a bus
shelter should be a strategic priority.

We successfully applied for a Kent County Council Parish Bus Stop Shelter Grant to
part-fund the bus shelter, with the remaining funds met by the Town Council. We
engaged Externiture – a supplier with a long-standing relationship with Kent County
Council having provided bus stop infrastructure across the county. The location proved
to be challenge as the footway measures just 175cm wide — and the site sits directly
opposite a junction used by HGVs exiting the industrial estate. Externiture
recommended and installed a three-bay narrow cantilever shelter, with its back to the
rear footway to keep the canopy well clear of passing vehicles. The shelter includes a
half end panel, a two-bay bench seat with handles, and one open bay left clear for
wheelchair and pushchair access.
We know that the bus shelter is already being made to good use and will be a real asset
to the town.