Bournemouth Safe Bus is based at Horseshoe Common

As reported in the Daily Echo, Bournemouth council announced last year that SIA-approved door staff would be employed to man the Safe Bus after police struggled to meet the demands of the initiative.

Officers had previously been based aboard the bus each time the service ran.

However, bosses at the South Western Ambulance Service Trust (SWAST) say they have been considering reducing paramedics' contribution to the scheme due to the ongoing strain on the emergency services.

As a result, police say they will commit officers to the bus to ensure the Safe Bus continues running.

The initiative was initially established in 2012 as a partnership between police, the council and SWAST.

Those who volunteer for the bus, which is based at Horseshoe Common, help to keep the pressure off the emergency services in the town centre at night.

Superintendent Jared Parkin, who has responsibility for policing across Poole, Purbeck and Bournemouth, said the Safe Bus is important for Bournemouth's nightlife.

"The Safe Bus was a contributing factor to the town being awarded a purple flag, which recognises the quality of our night-time economy," he said.

"Initially, it was staffed by Dorset Police volunteers and ambulance service paramedics, and it had visits from street pastors.

"The biggest financial contribution came from Bournemouth council."

However, public sector austerity has placed financial pressures on the service, he said.

"Around 12 months ago, police took the decision that we were still going to support it, but instead of using dedicated volunteers, we were going to ensure officers on regular foot patrols in the town centre would make visits," he said.

"The council kindly financed a private security company to stay on the bus fulltime."

Recently, public sector organisations involved have reviewed their financial positions, Supt Parkin said.

"Difficult decisions have had to be made by all partner agencies involved in the Safe Bus," he said.

"SWAST were regrettably unable to support the bus in the way they have previously done."

As a result, police will return to the Safe Bus to free up funding from door staff. Officers hope the move will allow paramedics to commit to the service once again.

A meeting will be held in April to discuss the future funding of the Safe Bus. Private sponsorship may be sought.

"I have committed to putting officers back on the Safe Bus," Supt Parkin said.

"The Safe Bus provides people with the opportunity of a safe haven if they're feeling vulnerable. Its volunteers also take care of the ill and injured, which takes pressure off the ambulance service and hospitals.

"We will do all we can to maintain it, and we are exploring every option we have to facilitate that.

"It makes a real difference to the safety of people in the town at night-time."