The North Devon night bus is back to get passengers home safely during the festive season

Devon & Cornwall Police is once again working with partners to provide a night bus service in Barnstaple, Bideford and Ilfracombe to keep communities safe.

Following a successful summer night bus service at weekends in north Devon, police are working to keep party goers away from harm during the festive season.    

The popular night bus, which also ran in December last year, will operate from 30 November to help reduce drink and drug related incidents, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and violence against women and girls.

The Stagecoach night bus will run for four Saturday nights until Saturday 21 December, plus Friday 20 December and New Years Eve – Tuesday 31 December.

The services are funded by Devon County Council, North Devon District Council, Torridge District Council and Vision Zero South West. Tickets for the services cost just £2 for a single journey, and full timetables are available on the Stagecoach website Live Bus Times & Timetables | Stagecoach

Inspector Andy Wills, who covers the Barnstaple Sector, said: “We are delighted that the night bus service is once again running from Barnstaple to Bideford and Barnstaple to Ilfracombe. This gives those on a night out a cost effective and convenient way to get home safely.

“Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s ability to accurately judge a situation, which can get them into trouble. Some people may be tempted to drive home after drinking but it’s not worth the risk. The previous night bus services have demonstrated that it helps to reduce anti-social behaviour, as well as other offences.

“We would urge anyone who wants to enjoy a festive night out to use this fantastic bus service and also remind people to look out for their friends to make sure everyone has a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

“Our officers will be out and about on patrol to keep people safe during this busy time of year for shops, pubs and clubs and we want to reassure the communities of north Devon that we are here to deal with crime incidents and listen to any concerns they may have.”

Barnstaple and Bideford have both received Government funding for hotspot policing in their key areas. This means extra foot patrols and engagement by police officers to tackle areas where anti-social behaviour occurs, and police officers work in conjunction with street marshals to reassure the public and bring crime levels down.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, who have part-funded the night bus initiative.

Commissioner Hernandez said: “Everyone should be able to get home safely, whether they’re coming from work or a night out.

“The night bus service provides an easy, affordable option for late night travel, helping to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour and drink or drug driving incidents.

“We’re committed to ensuring that North Devon is a safe place to enjoy an evening out and I hope people take full advantage of this service throughout the festive season.”

For updates on the Barnstaple policing teams please follow the Barnstaple Police account on Facebook. Ilfracombe Police and Bideford Police have their own Facebook accounts.

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