Police have announced increased patrols at Durham’s new bus station in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
The £10.4m new station opened on Sunday (January 7) and includes a larger indoor waiting area for passengers and bus bays for vehicles.
The new building design was created based on passenger feedback, considering issues around security, safety and accessibility raised about the former building.
Several passengers had reported how the former station had become a hotspot for disorder and violence, with one passenger from Durham saying "hoodlums made the last station unsafe".
Now, Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary have announced a joint partnership approach to tackle the issues.
There will be full-time security on site alongside a permanent police presence. Neighbourhood wardens will also patrol the station.
Susan Robinson, the council’s head of corporate property and land, said: “The station has been designed to be a safe and welcoming transport hub with improved visibility and complete CCTV coverage in the main area.
“Full time security will be in place, and the building includes a two-storey office space in which council staff will be located and officers from Durham Constabulary will have use of when needed.
“If people have concerns of anti-social behaviour anywhere in the county, we encourage them to report it.”
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The new station opened after several years of construction work.
Durham Constabulary added: “We want to help make sure that it stays a safe environment for genuine users to enjoy, so we will be increasing patrols in and around the bus station, to support the on site security. We will also ensure that those who have historically caused problems, are dealt with robustly.
“Our local policing teams now have office facilities in the building, which will assist in providing a regular police presence in the area, working together with Durham County Council neighbourhood wardens to deal with any anti-social behaviour issues that may occur.”
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