YELLOW Buses says the opening of its first base in Poole is a “major development” for the company.

The operator has opened a mini-depot at Poole’s Endeavour Business Park.

Buses started operating on November 13, at 5.40am, and there are plans to eventually store up to 18 vehicles there overnight.

The new ‘outstation’ will allow Yellow Buses to expand its services to Poole, covering Hamworthy, Canford Heath, Creekmoor and Upton, as well as towns such as Wimborne, Blandford and Swanage.

It will also cut down on empty trips to its Yeomans Way site in Bournemouth for buses starting and ending their routes in Poole and the surrounding areas. The company says it will also be able to recruit staff from a wider area.

Around 50 staff, mainly drivers, will eventually be based at the new site, which will be built up in phases over the next six months.

David Squire, who was appointed as managing director of Yellow Buses in October, said: “This is a major development for us, offering significant opportunities to operate both more efficiently and smartly, and also become a platform for future growth.

“We have been looking for a suitable location in Poole for some time. This site on the outskirts of the town fits the bill perfectly and will put us in an excellent position to grow the business over the coming months and years.”

The 115-year-old bus operator operates a fleet of 140 buses and 16 coaches, with more than 410 staff.