Bus giant Stagecoach plan to desert Kilmarnock bus station EVERY night after 6pm.
Yobbish behaviour at the town centre terminal has put the safety of both customers and staff under threat, bosses have said.
In what appeared to be a temporary measure, Kilmarnock bus station was abandoned last night with no buses picking up or dropping off passengers after 6pm.
However, coach chiefs now say the new procedure will be in place every night until further notice.
Last night, Stagecoach blamed anti-social behaviour and safety-related issues for forcing their hand.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach West Scotland said: "We have recently been experiencing some anti-social behaviour and safety related issues at Kilmarnock Bus Station, and so reluctantly we have taken the decision to stop serving the station after 6pm.
"This will remain in place until further notice and will be reviewed in due course.
"This decision has only been taken due to the continued issues we have experienced with individuals jeopardising the safety of both our customers and employees.
"We are committed to working in partnership with East Ayrshire Council who are responsible for the bus station and Police Scotland.
"We're sorry that we have had to put this measure in place due to the behaviour of a small group of individuals, and for any customers wishing to board or alight after 6pm, this can be done at the closest serving bus stops to Kilmarnock Bus Station"
East Ayrshire Councillor Barry Douglas said the situation was getting "seriously out of hand" and urged parents to make sure they know where their kids are.
He posted: "Unbelievable steps to be taken by Stagecoach but I completely understand why.
"This isn’t a new problem but it seems to be getting worse and worse, we cannot let those perpetrating anti-social behaviour to 'win'.
"When people say 'there’s nothing for the weans' I have to say from anecdotal evidence and some first hand experience the young people hanging around the bus station and local parks tell us they don’t want to go to anything 'organised' they want to hang about.
"As a teenager I wouldn’t have wanted to go to organised clubs or events but I certainly had more respect than to cause widespread anti-social behaviour.
"I would ask parents and guardians of young people across the town and beyond to ask where your young person is going and what they are doing as this is getting seriously out of hand and needs a serious response!"
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