A bus station in Stoke-on-Trent will be partially demolished in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is planning to knock down over half of Longton Bus Station's canopy, in response to problems with anti-social behaviour and vandalism at the Baths Road facility.

The scheme, which is being carried out as part of the Safer Streets programme in Longton, would see the canopy reduced in size from nine to four bus stands. According to the application lodged with council planners, this will 'improve the visibility and safety of pedestrians and bus users by reducing the risk of anti-social behaviour'.

Longton Bus Station has been targeted by vandals on several occasions in recent years. Most recently in June, Jacob Bassom smashed windows at the bus station on three consecutive days, causing more than £10,000 of damage. Bassom, of Packett Avenue, Fenton, received a community order after admitting three counts of criminal damage.

The windows have not been replaced since the latest vandalism, but it is understood that once the demolition works are completed, the remaining bus station will be restored, with new lighting and upgraded CCTV.

Longton Bus Station has been targeted by vandals on several occasions in recent years (LDRS).

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: "The redevelopment of the Longton Interchange forms part of the partnership work between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner as part of the Safer Streets 5 programme of work.

"We know from conversations with bus users that the current interchange continues to experience vandalism and anti-social behaviour; this work will significantly improve the location for passengers and service providers alike and we are looking forward to working with the Commissioner to improve safety in Longton."

Commissioner Ben Adams secured £820,000 of government funding for the latest Safer Streets programme, which is seeing measures aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour implemented in Cannock and Tunstall as well as Longton.

Deputy Commissioner Dave Evans said: "Tackling the anti-social behaviour that can harm our communities is a key priority for the Commissioner and for myself, as where these problems are repeated, residents can feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

 "The Safer Streets funding being used in Longton is part of a wider programme of work already underway across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, delivering a range of initiatives to not only make our communities safer, but ensure they feel safer too."

The council is aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour and vandalism at the facility (Nub News).

The Longton Bus Station building was built in 2003 at a cost of £637,000. Since then, its use has declined as a number of services now stop in Market Street, while the anti-social behaviour has increased.

Longton councillor Chris Robinson welcomed the plans for the bus station. He said: "When it first opened it policed itself, because it was so busy. But now only four stands are in use, and it's not a pleasant place to go, especially early in the morning or late at night, with broken glass on the ground and the lights not working. I'm a fairly big guy and even I'm worried about going there when it's dark.

"After the demolition is carried out, the windows and lights will be replaced, and I understand the CCTV will be upgraded too, so it will be a brighter, more pleasant place to be."

The demolition works will take place in November and December. The bus station building will be fenced off, and temporary bus stops will be put in place.

The proposals for Longton Bus Station follow the launch of a transport safety officer pilot scheme earlier this year. Six wardens with power to issue fines for littering or vandalism are now patrolling Stoke-on-Trent's bus network, including Hanley and Longton's bus stations.

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