SECURITY patrols are set to monitor Bolton's bus station to improve safety for passengers and staff.

Two security officers will drive around Moor Lane bus station in a van enabling them to respond immediately to incidents.

The pilot scheme starts this autumn and will run for six months. It follows concern from bus passengers and staff about anti-social behaviour around the station.

The project has been given the000 go ahead by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's Transport Network Committee.

It is hoped a visible security presence will deter people from intimidating passengers and staff. Identical schemes will run in Bury, Rochdale and Ashton with patrols from 3pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday.

Cllr Nick Peel, GMPTA spokesman for Bolton, said: "I am delighted Bolton Moor Lane bus station is to be included in this trial.

"In the regular consultation meetings we arrange with the public, concerns about safety and security are frequently raised.

"While we are working closely with police, it is obviously not realistic to expect them to deploy resources on every occasion.

"I'm sure the presence of the security unit as it patrols the bus station will reassure Bolton's bus passengers and send out the very clear message that we will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour on our bus stations."

Cllr Alan Whitehead, chairman of the Network Transport Committee, said: "Our bus stations are safe for passengers. They are well lit and there is a constant staff presence along with CCTV at all stations.

"But as with any public place, there is a tendency for people to hang around bus stations."

"Even though they are not necessarily committing a criminal offence, on occasions their presence and behaviour can intimidate both passengers and staff.

"Many already have experience in dealing with incidents of anti-social behaviour. But if their efforts fail it will be reassuring for them and passengers to know that additional support can be readily called upon to assist. Now we have given the go ahead, I look forward to seeing this rapid response unit up and running and getting results as soon as possible."