IT was a welcome sight - a number 35 Yellow Bus trundling through Bournemouth's Townsend Estate in Bournemouth for the first time in nearly a year.

The service has resumed after being suspended last October, amid fears that repeated attacks by hooligans could endanger the safety of drivers and passengers.

Incidents included lit fireworks lobbed through open bus doors, stones thrown at windows, interference with the engine, gangs refusing to pay, and a car being used as a roadblock.

Following an earlier month-long suspension in January 2002, those watching the arrival of the first bus agreed that this was the last chance to keep the service, which links the estate with Boscombe.

James Wall of the Transport and General Workers' Union, admitted: "There's a lot of nervousness among the drivers about coming to Townsend.

"They are very sceptical about the measures put into place by the police and action committee, but have agreed to give it a go for the sake of the residents of the estate."

The service will operate every half-hour Mondays to Saturdays, but not in the evenings or on Sundays.

"Generally it was the evenings that gave us most problems. By just running through to 6.30pm, we have eliminated most of the trouble," said Mr Wall.

Andy Hickisson, operations manager for Yellow Buses, said bus windows had been smashed regularly and on one occasion, a bicycle was thrown into the road, causing damage to the underneath, where the braking and steering system is located.

"We know that there are ASBOs (Antisocial Behaviour Orders) on a couple of people and the police are telling us that with them out of the way, a lot of the problems have disappeared. The safety of our staff and passengers is paramount," he said.

Among new developments on the estate are mountain bike police patrols and the opening of a new youth centre. Townsend has also been chosen for two government initiatives aimed at revitalising the area and cutting crime.

Castlepoint is funding two police community support officers and a CCTV camera, and will monitor the pictures from the nearby shopping centre.

Supt Nick Hazelton of Bournemouth Police said: "We're delighted that the bus service has returned. We've done a huge amount of work on the estate and have actively pursued the main troublemakers."

Marilyn Rigler, chairman of the Townsend Residents' Association, said the return of the number 35 meant a great deal to the community.

"It's been 11 months and the people it has affected are the elderly, the disabled, and mums who need to take their kids to school. The people it didn't affect were the kids causing the problems," she said.

"The drivers had to put up with a lot and they took the right action. They have been good enough to say they will bring the buses back, but I know this is the last chance."

First published: September 8