Late-night bus 'not used enough'

Police said trouble was more likely if people stayed in the town centre

A bus service which offers a cheap ride home to late-night revellers in a Kent town could be scrapped before the end of its pilot period.

The Shepway Nite Rider started three Friday and Saturday runs out of Folkestone town centre from 27 May.

But Kent Police said it was likely to be withdrawn if more people did not start using the £1 service.

A spokesman said the pilot period would end in August, but there would be a review of passenger levels in July.

The double-decker Nite Rider aims to reduce late-night trouble and get people home safely and quickly after a night out.

There are 12 drop-off points in Folkestone and its surroundings, with the bus going as far as nearby Hawkinge to the north.

We won't be able to sustain it for too much longer Jon Green, Kent Police

Police spokesman Jon Green said around 180 passengers were needed each night in order to keep the service running.

"If we have under that then there is a shortfall [in money] and unfortunately we won't be able to sustain that for too much longer," said Mr Green.

With the last ride leaving at 0215 BST on Saturdays and Sundays, Mr Green said the Nite Rider was working despite not enough people using it.

"Our initial evidence shows that incidents of criminal damage and assaults have gone down.

"We are receiving a lot of positive feedback from residents who live in those areas where there are nightclubs and pubs to say that they're very pleased with the service because people are moving away from the area."