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Night buses are set to be available in two parts of the South West this summer.

Devon and Cornwall Police said following a successful trial in Barnstaple in December 2023, it has worked with partners to introduce night buses there, and in Newquay.

The bus services, provided by Stagecoach in north Devon and First Bus in Newquay are set to operate on Saturdays from 6 July to 7 September.

It added the new services, which cost £2 a journey, were in bid to reduce "drink and drug-related incidents".

'Cost-effective'

Insp Andy Wills, who covers the Barnstaple area, said they want people to get out and enjoy themselves, but safely.

“Alcohol and drugs affect a person’s ability to accurately judge a situation, which can contribute to issues such as drink or drug driving, violence against women and girls and anti-social behaviour," said Insp Wills.

He also said the service offers a "cost-effective and convenient" way of getting home safely.

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she was "committed to improving female safety and tackling the scourge of violence in our communities, whether in the home or in public places".

'Safe at night'

“Getting home safely, whether from work or a night out in town, should not be a nice-to-have, it should be a given," she added.

"All women and girls deserve to stay safe at night and feel confident that their safety is our concern.”

will depart hourly from 00:23 until 04:23 BST, serving St Columb, Indian Queens and Quintrell Downs.

will cover Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, with the last bus leaving at 04:00.

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