A FREE late-night bus service ferrying revellers home after a night out has been hailed a success.

The service was one of a number of initiatives introduced in Scarborough over the Christmas and New Year period to create a safer night-time economy.

And figures reveal that the number of assaults and amount of disorderly behaviour in the resort was significantly down on the previous year.

Now meetings are to be held between the council and other interested parties to look into the feasibility of running the service again.

Figures published by police show that the number of assaults was down 32 per cent and the amount of disorderly behaviour was down 15 per cent.

Local cabinet member for community development, Tom Fox, said: "Although the fall in assaults and disorder can't be directly attributed to the late night bus service, I am sure that, along with an increased police presence in the town and other initiatives, it was a contributing factor to creating a safer environment.

"A vibrant but safe night-time economy is of benefit to local residents and businesses and is something that we must all work towards if we are to attract year-round visitors and therefore investment to our town."

PC Mark Roberts, of the borough's Safer Communities Partnership, said: "If, by running the service, we managed to stop just one person either being assaulted or causing a nuisance then I think it can be seen as a success."