Victory for Oxford’s Pub Landlords

12/11/2007

Oxford’s pub landlords are looking forward to a more prosperous New Year’s Eve than last year, thanks to their success in persuading Stagecoach to run services on the night.

Members of the city's Pubwatch organisation held several meetings with Stagecoach bosses after a disastrous celebration on New Year’s Eve 2006 when party-goers steered clear of Oxford due to the bus company not running services after midnight.

Pub and club managers were anxious to avoid a repeat of last year's low turn-out, and have persuaded Stagecoach to run a Saturday service on New Year’s Eve.

The move has been welcomed by Oxford's police chief, Supt Brendan O'Dowda, who said: "It is great news. If there is no bus service you very quickly get a number of flashpoints at taxi ranks, at bus stops where people mistakenly believe there are services and at the usual refreshment wagons. This will reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence on our streets."

Lee Simpson, deputy manager of Park End in Park End Street, said: "Last year because there were no buses, people did not want to go out and pay for taxis. Generally trade in the city centre dropped. This is good for everyone. People will not have to pay so much to get into town or home."
Stagecoach will run a normal Saturday service on New Year's Eve and the early hours of New Year's Day.