A NEW late-night double-decker bus service is being launched in Basingstoke to help revellers get home safely.

The service - which will cost £3 and will have security provision - will come into use on Saturday, November 26, and will normally run on Friday and Saturday nights.

The new service has been developed by a partnership of Basingstoke Town Centre Management, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Stagecoach, Basingstoke police, Liquid nightclub and the Pub Watch scheme, and it will be trialled for three to six months, depending upon the take-up.

The bus will set off from stand one at the bus station. Route one, which leaves the bus station at 1.45am, will have drop-offs at Norn Hill, Oakridge, Popley, Chineham, Lychpit and Old Basing.

Route two, which departs the bus station at 2.30am, also picking up outside Webbers in New Road at 2.35am, will go to South Ham, Buckskin, Kempshott, Hatch Warren and Brighton Hill.

Town centre manager Kaye Cousins said: "There is always a large number of people trying to get home late at night after enjoying a Friday or Saturday night out in the town. We have worked together to organise the Night Xpress to help those people get home safely and quickly.

"We researched schemes in other areas, like Southampton, where the service has proved so successful it has been extended."

Councillor Sean Keating, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Cabinet member for communities and regeneration, said: "We want to give people a safe, simple and quick route home from the town centre at night, which complements the existing services."

First published: Thursday, November 17, 2005