A spokesperson for Blackpool Transport Services Ltd has issued this stark announcement.

‘This is not something we should have to be writing. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve had a considerable increase in our drivers being physically and verbally assaulted while in the town centre. This is completely unacceptable.

Unfortunately, we have had to cancel some services today, due to staff shortages. As you can imagine this is not something we want to do, but with the recent events in the town centre, we cannot expect our staff to endure this level of abuse.

Nobody deserves to feel unsafe while doing their job or wearing a uniform, therefore we will accelerate our efforts to work with the police and other local authorities to ensure the safety of our staff.’

Meanwhile, Blackpool Transport have issued this reminder regarding changing fares from 2nd April.