A bus firm has cancelled scheduled stops at a terminus in Ayrshire after drivers and passengers were targeted for abuse by “gangs” of youngsters.

Stagecoach has suspended pickups at Kilmarnock Bus Station after 6pm “until further notice” following months of anti-social behaviour and disruption by local youths.

The company – which operates services across the region – said it would no longer “risk the safety” of commuters and staff.

Buses will still operate at stops around the station after the curfew.

Stagecoach said they are working with East Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland and will review the move in “due course”.

A spokesperson said: “We have recently been experiencing some anti-social behaviour and safety related issues at Kilmarnock Bus Station, and so reluctantly we have taken the decision to stop serving the station after 6pm.

“This decision has only been taken due to the continued issues we have experienced with individuals jeopardising the safety of both our customers and employees.”

They added: “We’re sorry that we have had to put this measure in place due to the behaviour of a small group of individuals, and for any customers wishing to board or alight after 6pm, this can be done at the closest serving bus stops to Kilmarnock Bus Station”

One councillor, Barry Douglas, said the situation was getting “seriously out of hand” in a post on social media, adding parents “needed to ask where their young person was going”.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We are aware of a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Kilmarnock Town Centre area and we will continue to work with partners to minimise any disruption to the community.

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