Bury St Edmunds bus station issued with security guards

West Suffolk councillor David Taylor previously announced the closure of the bus station, but residents raised concerns

A local council has hired private security for a bus station following reports of "gangs of young people" and others "jumping on the seats".

West Suffolk Council wants to address anti-social behaviour at the building in Bury St Edmunds.

Labour council leader Cliff Waterman said the guards cost about £1,600 per week.

The "short-term" fix aimed to provide users with a "safe and secure" place to wait for buses, he said.

The council will fund the security guards, despite having to make "£1m savings on our budget next year", according to Labour leader Cliff Waterman

The council originally planned to close the unmanned bus station after continuous anti-social and criminal behaviour at the site, but residents raised concerns about the need for an indoor waiting space during the winter.

"It cannot be right that we are faced with closing public facilities because of the criminal and anti-social behaviour acts of a few," said Mr Waterman.

According to the councillor, public complaints of anti-social behaviour included "gangs of young people", "jumping on the seats" and even a "dog fight".

Until now, the bus station in Bury St Edmunds has been unmanned

"It will just be a physical presence, so anyone wanting to cause anti-social behaviour will hopefully be put off," Mr Waterman continued.

"If they're not put off, then we've got someone here who can report directly to the police and give an eye witness report."

Although the council will fund the guards in the short-term, it has begun to look for a long-term plan.

The councillor added: "We will be working with the police and other partners to make sure we can find a sustainable solution to keeping the waiting room open."

Insp Andy Beeby said: "Suffolk Constabulary is continuing to work closely with West Suffolk Council on this matter."