Early Christmas present for North Devon club goers

North Devon club goers will be enjoying an early Christmas present – thanks to Stagecoach

The bus company has announced it will be operating night services between Bideford, Barnstaple and Braunton at weekends until December 29.

The new N21 route will run every 30 minutes from midnight until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Stagecoach operations director Paul Clark said: “We had heard from a number of sources in North Devon that there is a real issue when the clubs turn out with the shear volume of people trying to get home.

“We believe there is enough demand to provide a Friday and Saturday service which will, in turn, help alleviate some of the issues that result from large crowds being in a concentrated area of the town.”

Vikki Whitworth, general manager of Fever & Boutique in Barnstaple, welcomed the new bus service.

“This is good news and will be a huge help to us, especially around closing time. It’s also great that the bus will be bringing people into town from further afield,'' she said.

“The transport will enable people to get home sooner after their night out and safely.”

Vikki said that, for a limited period, Stagecoach passengers using the new service will benefit from free entry to Fever & Boutique on Fridays and £1 off entry on a Saturday*.

The trial service was also welcomed by Barnstaple County Councillor, Brian Greenslade.

He said “This is a good initiative which, hopefully, will help people out for the night get away home more easily and safely in the run up to Christmas.

“Equally, it may help attract people into Barnstaple as there will be a easy and safe way to get home.

“Dispersal of revellers more quickly will I am sure be welcome by the residents I represent in the town centre and, indeed, by the local Police.”

The fares for the new night bus are as follows:

Barnstaple to Braunton £2.70 (single)

Bideford to Barnstaple £2.20 (single)

Nite Rider (unlimited travel from 7pm) £3

Group Ticket (for up to five people travelling together) £9.40

Buses will run from:

Braunton George Hotel from 00.31, then every 30 minutes until 03.31
Bideford Quay from 00.18, then every 30 minutes until 03.18

Barnstaple Bus Station to Bideford from 00.20, then every 30 minutes until 03.50

Barnstaple Bus Station to Braunton from 00.15, then every 30 minutes unto 03.45

The buses will stop at

Bideford:

Rydon Garage
Morrisons
Bideford Quay and Old Barnstaple Road

Barnstaple City Cente:

Boutport Street and Greenlanes and Barnstaple Bus Station

Braunton:

Wrafton
Barton Lane
Braunton George

Passengers can pay the driver in cash or by using contactless.

* The Fever offer is only available to Stagecoach passengers with a group ticket or niterider.

Discounts are not available on Gala Nights, like Factory Friday, for example