More police patrols at Northampton bus stops to make sure passengers queue safely and wear masks

Police patrols are being increased around bus stops in Northampton to make sure passengers are queuing safely and wearing masks.

Crowds of people were seen at bus stops on The Drapery last week with routes from the town centre to Grange Park and Brackmills industrial estates of particular concern.

Additional buses are being introduced to reduce demand while Northamptonshire County Council is also putting up more signs to educate users of the coronavirus risks.

Northampton Borough Council leader Jonathan Nunn told a virtual press conference yesterday (Friday, October 9): "If you have to get a bus, you have to queue safely."

Bus passengers congregating at bus stops in the town centre has been an issue since the start of the pandemic.

Masks now mandatory to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and residents are urged to limit their use of public transport to only when necessary.

A passer-by sent pictures of the crowds on The Drapery on Thursday evening due to their concern about the potential risks to passengers and shoppers.

"The buses going to and from Grange Park are really bad, I understand these people have to get to work but shoppers are being put at risk," they told the Chronicle & Echo.

"The bus to Pineham is the same. Shoppers are staying away from the town out of fear of travelling."

On the lack of social-distancing at the bus stops in the photos, Cllr Nunn urged people to queue safely but was pleased to see most passengers were wearing masks.

Covid-19 cases have doubled in Northamptonshire in the past week and residents have been warned to expect further restrictions from Monday to tackle the rising infection rate.

Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for transport Jason Smithers said the 'stark warning' from health officials needs to be heeded by bus users and the issue is being monitored.

The Conservative councillor said three extra buses have been put on for the town centre to Grange Park route.

When asked by the Chron whether there should be more enforcement action over face masks, Cllr Smithers said it was better to educate individuals about the risk they are posing.

"We are trying to do messaging rather than enforcement," he added.