REVELLERS fed up of queuing for taxis late at night will be able to use an alternative mode of transport from tomorrow night.

A new night bus service is being rolled out this weekend with the specific aim of getting clubbers out of the town centre, reducing the potential for drink-fuelled violence and crime.

The service is being run via a partnership involving bus operator Stagecoach, Swindon Council and the town's police force and will initially be trialled over a three-month period.

Coun Colin Lovell, (Con, Moredon), chairman of Swindon's Licensing Committee, said: "One of the main problems has always been dispersal at the end of a night.

"I thought it would be a lot easier if there were night buses, so I have pushed for this for a long time.

"We did study other towns and cities and it works particularly well, so we thought there is no reason why it should not happen in Swindon because we have a lively night-time economy.

"The problems arise because of a lack of taxis and people are left fighting for the one or two taxis that turn up and that is a flashpoint for fighting and trouble."

The council has provided a financial cushion for the first three months to encourage Stagecoach to test the route.

The night bus services will run on three routes, all departing from Fleming Way, every 45 minutes from 12.30am until 3.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A flat fare of £2.50 will be charged per person and the bus will only drop passengers off and will not pick up once it has departed.

Stagecoach marketing manager Anthony Evans, said: "All the buses will have CCTV and if it is successful we will look to run the service using double decker buses.

Three night bus routes Route N1: Fleming Way, Westcott Place, Village Tavern, Conisburgh, Bloomsbury Close, Freshbrook Centre, Grange Park Subway, Roughmoor, Westlea Campus, Paddington Drive.

Route N2: Fleming Way, Marlowe Avenue, Park North, Cavendish Square, Coate Water, Eldene Centre, Covingham Square, New Inn, Ermin Street, Beechcroft Road.

Route N3: Fleming Way, Gorse Hill, Poplar Avenue, Moonrrakers, Penhill, Asda Walmart, Haydon Wick, Boundary House, Rodbourne Arms, Cheney Manor, Rodbourne.