YELLOW Buses has announced it is to resume bus services through the trouble-hit Townsend estate in Bournemouth from Monday (Sept 6).

Managing director of Yellow Buses Roy Edgley said the decision was taken following recent initiatives to increase community policing on the estate and co-operation from staff and drivers at Bournemouth Transport.

Mr Edgley said: "The decision to let our buses return to service at Townsend is one that has required long and detailed consultation between ourselves, drivers and police. Safety is of the utmost importance for Yellow Buses and the decision to restart the service is dependent on what we believe to be improved conditions on the estate.

"The operation of the route will now depend on continued safety for our passengers and drivers and the support of the local community will be critical in helping to achieve this."

Yellow Buses' route 35, which links the estate to Boscombe, was suspended back in October last year following a spate of violent incidents which endangered drivers, passengers and vehicles.

Fireworks were lobbed in through the open door of a bus which was picking up passengers on the estate.

On other occasions stones have been thrown at windows, a car reversed into the path of a bus and gangs of youngsters have refused to pay.

The service was also suspended in January 2002 but reinstated after a month.

The decision means that route 35 will once again travel via Jewell Road and Townsend Primary School.

Yellow Buses has said it will work in constant consultation with police and local community groups to ensure the service operates safely and without disruption.

First published: Sept 3