Stagecoach removes evening services in Gretna for a week due to anti-social behaviour

The 79 bus, operated by Stagecoach which serves Annan to Carlisle, will no longer stop in Gretna after 7pm for the next seven days due to the anti-social behaviour of youngsters. 

Stagecoach said youths targeting the service are "jeopardising the safety of themselves and others".

Tom Waterhouse, operations director for Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire said: "Following our recent decision to stop serving Gretna Central Avenue on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays after 7pm due to anti-social behaviour, disappointingly, we have continued to experience issues at other stops in Gretna and on other nights throughout the week.

"As a result of this, we have reluctantly taken the decision to further the curtailment of our services through Gretna.

"Therefore, from today, October 25, for a period of seven days, we will not serve any stops in Gretna after 7pm, other than Gretna Gateway and Annan Road (near to Braids Caravan Park).

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"We're sorry that we have had to put this measure in place due to the behaviour of a small group of individuals.

"Any customers wishing to board or alight after 7pm, can do so at either Gretna Gateway or at the Annan Road stop (near to Braids Caravan Park).

"This decision has only been taken due to the persistent issues we have been experiencing with individuals jeopardising the safety of not only themselves, but also others by tampering with operational elements of our vehicles and we are left with no other option than to stop serving these stops at the times stated above," he said. 

Stagecoach is also calling on the local community to remain vigilant and help them resolve the issue by reporting any incidents of antisocial behaviour to Police Scotland.

Anyone with information about the incidents should call Police Scotland on 101.

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