A BOURNEMOUTH bus service suspended due to antisocial behaviour will be running again at the end of the month.

On April 7, the 5b and 2b services linking West Howe and Kinson along Montgomery Avenue was suspended in the evenings from 6pm by Yellow Buses due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour, including an air gun or BB gun being fired at one bus, and a bed being dragged in front of another.

However, the company has decided to reinstate both services despite such “mindless vandalism”, after hearing the views of residents, police officers and councillors at a public meeting in West Howe on June 6.

Head of marketing Jenni Wilkinson said: “We have listened very carefully to the comments of the residents who attended the meeting.

“Yellow Buses has no wish to punish the many for the actions of the few but the number and gravity of the incidents has been totally unacceptable. This was supported by the residents at the meeting.

“We have now been assured by Dorset Police that there is not a problem in the area. In view of this assurance we are prepared to reinstate evening services.

“However, should the situation arise where we are forced to divert services again from this area then we will be looking at a long term and more permanent solution, as the safety of our staff and passengers remain paramount.

“We look forward to reinstating evening services and working closely with the police and the local community to ensure our return is a success.”

Back in April the company listed ten incidents in the last year of objects being thrown at their buses in the area, including eggs and stones. At the time, a spokesman said they could not give a timetable for when the service might be resumed until satisfied the problem was dealt with.

Councillor Jane Kelly, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that this service is being restored.

“I am sure the community in West Howe will embrace the fact that these buses have been reinstated, and I hope these problems will not happen again and the youngsters involved understand the consequences of their actions.”