IPSWICH nightbus scheme pioneered at Christmas, is to return to the town in a new improved version.The scheme, which will commence on August 23, is a joint venture between Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Police.

IPSWICH nightbus scheme, pioneered at Christmas, is to return to the town in a new improved version.

The service, which will commence on Friday, August 23, is a joint venture between Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Police.

Following the success of the Nightsafe pilot scheme in December, funding for the programme has been secured to enable the buses to run for the next two years.

There will be four new buses running to the outskirts of the town on Fridays and Saturdays, which will run as late as 4.29am.

The No. 50 bus will serve Castle Hill and Whitton, No. 51 Gainsborough, No. 57 Stoke Park and Chantry and the No. 58 travels to Whitehouse. There will be a £2 flat fee for the use of the service. Superoute 66 will continue as normal.

The project is jointly funded by Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council.

Bryony Rudkin, representing Suffolk County Council, said: "The introduction of a permanent weekend nightbus service in Ipswich is an important step in increasing safety for everyone. We are delighted that the popular and successful pilot scheme has now become a permanent service.

"The Ipswich Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership is responding to demand from residents and this demonstrates our commitment to making Ipswich a safer place to live, work and play."

David Ellesmere, executive councillor for community safety on Ipswich Borough Council said: "The nightbus pilot at Christmas was not only extremely popular, it also helped to cut crime."