'Secure' bus for council workers

A shuttle-bus service has been ferrying council workers to a south London Tube station during the day following attacks on its staff.

Southwark Council said the free service between Chiltern House in Portland Street, and Elephant and Castle station was launched in December 2005.

The service began after three workers were mugged within a four week period.

The bus makes seven trips in the afternoon and carries 90 staff members at a total cost of £130 per day.

The staff were being targeted and attacked as they left the council building.

'Protecting staff'

The service runs from Monday to Friday between 1600 BST and 1845 BST, with the weekly cost of £650 coming from the council's accommodation budget.

A statement from the council said: "Three staff members were mugged on their way home within a four week period, and the council decided to provide a secure, safe bus service for staff.

"Southwark Council as an employer is fully committed to protecting its staff, and making sure they feel completely safe in getting to and from work.

"At the same time, we are working overtime to make the borough a safer place to live for our residents."