ONGOING issues of anti-social behaviour at Poole Bus Station has led to one of the conurbations two commercial bus companies withdrawing services from the transport hub.
Yellow Buses will now serve the town’s railway station instead when changes to routes and timetables come into force later this month.
Company bosses blamed anti-social behaviour at the bus station for its decision, as well as a desire to serve Poole Quay and the historic old town.
Simon Newport, Yellow Buses commercial director, said: “We have been concerned about problems of anti-social behaviour in the bus station for some time.
“The safety and comfort of our customers and staff is paramount and we took the decision that we could serve Poole better with a different route.
“The bus station was not working for us in a number of ways and we felt we could link better with the railway station and provide customers with a more convenient service.”
The move is included in a raft of service changes being introduced by the operator from Sunday, February 23 2020.
Yellow Buses will be re-routing the number 1 Poole to Christchurch service to start at Poole railway station, serving Falkland Square and the town centre, before stopping at the Lord Wimborne in North Street, and using Lagland Street, Old Orchard and stopping at Asda before continuing unchanged.
The company said this will allow better connections to be made to Poole Quay for the summer. Buses will run every 30 minutes from the shelter on Old Orchard which is a short walk from the Quay.
As reported, Dorset Police have ramped up efforts to address ongoing issues in and around Poole Bus Station, including with proactive patrols in the area.
Inspector Adrian Thompson, of Poole police, said: “We continue our efforts to engage with the local community, staff at the bus station, the Dolphin Centre, traders and key partners via daily contact and high profile proactive patrols.
“As part of Operation Nightwatch, patrols are carried out at Poole nighttime economy ASB hotspot areas to prevent and minimise public place violence. Officers taking part in these patrols can be approached by anyone with concerns.”
At the turn of the year, residents, businesses and shoppers said the issue in the area had got out of hand.
Regular complaints are made to the Daily Echo stating youths have made the site a no-go zone.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel