A PROPOSAL to scrap a dedicated minibus service for elderly people will leave them “prisoners in their own homes.”

Sevenoaks District Council has proposed withdrawing the service which will affect more than 240 pensioners in Swanley, Hextable and Crockenhill.

The seven minibuses have been running for 20 years offering a door-to-door service to elderly residents, taking them to various social clubs and activities, including shopping.

If the buses are scrapped, the jobs of four of their drivers could be at risk.

June Garehan, of Seven Acres in Crockenhill uses the buses regularly and says she is upset by the plans.

The 76-year-old said: “It makes me angry. The minibuses are our lifeline.

“We’ll be prisoners in our own home.

“Lots of people who use them can’t walk - one person only has one leg.

“It’s not right.”

Chief officer at Rural Age Concern Darent Valley John Arnold provides activities for elderly people to attend and says withdrawing the service will have profound repercussions.

The 70-year-old said: “It makes me saddened and disappointed.

“This is absolutely vital for elderly and frail people and once it’s taken away, they won’t be able to get anywhere.”

Sevenoaks District Council pays an annual subsidy of £960 for each person who uses the buses, and says in light of government cuts, it cannot afford to continue.

A decision will be made on the proposal at a full council meeting on December 16 and if it is approved, the minibus service will be withdrawn from the beginning of April next year.