Kirkholt bus service back on the road

In a bid to discourage anti-social behaviour and help passengers feel safer, new state-of-the-art CCTV has been installed on the number 6 evening bus service, which went back into operation at the weekend.

The number 6 evening Kirkholt to Rochdale town centre circular service was suspended at the end of 2010 by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) and bus operator, Coachmasters, following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Now, thanks to the introduction of new security measures, including CCTV cameras on buses and at selected bus shelters along the route as well as an increased police presence on the buses, the number 6 was fully reinstated on Friday 18 March.

The new security measures have been funded by a partnership of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, local police and Rochdale Council.

Councillor David Sandiford, Chairman of GMITA’s Bus Network and GMPTE Services committee, said: “The suspension of the number 6 bus service as a result of anti-social incidents has been very frustrating as the temporary loss of a service affects the whole community.

“I am very pleased the service will be fully reinstated, with the new security measures working to discourage unruly behaviour and help passengers feel safer when using the bus.

“While public transport generally provides safe environments, the security of all bus passengers is one of our top priorities, which is why we, working with partners, have invested in initiatives such as Bus Watch Specials and CCTV on buses, at bus stations and in bus shelters.”

Inspector Dave Lees, of the Rochdale South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We welcome any measures that will help to deter antisocial behaviour, be it on public transport or anywhere else.

“Antisocial behaviour is a blight on communities and we will continue to employ a range of tactics to crack down on it, such as targeting those responsible, running high-visibility patrols, confiscating alcohol and monitoring licensed premises.”

Yvonne Pickering, Community Safety Officer at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We hope that the new CCTV we’ve installed we mean that passengers feel safer riding the bus but we hope it will also act as a deterrent. All criminal activity caught on camera will be acted upon.

“The bus being out of service robs the community of a valuable facility, which is why we hope that the community will join us and help the police catch the culprits.”

Together with the police and Rochdale Council, GMPTE is appealing to local residents who witness any criminal activity on the bus network or who have any information on such behaviour to come forward.

They can contact your neighbourhood policing team on 0161 856 8549 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.