MP urges better CCTV and more police at bus station

Skipton's MP has called for a greater police presence around the town's bus station following an assault there on Friday.

Sir Julian Smith, Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, also asked for permanent CCTV to be installed on the site.

"Enough is enough. I have been pushing for months for better CCTV and we now need this sorted and in place," Sir Julian said.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault after a man in his 60s was taken to hospital with a head injury following an incident at the bus station at about 18:30 GMT.

"I understand the police have increased their presence this week and I have encouraged them to have a greater and more regular presence, but we also need a long-term solution and CCTV has to be at the heart of that," Sir Julian said.

Councillor Heather Phillips, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for corporate services, whose responsibility includes community safety, said: "We understand the concerns that have been raised about anti‑social behaviour at Skipton bus station and want to reassure residents their safety is an absolute priority.

"Our community safety team is working closely with a range of partners to address these issues urgently, and we are jointly reviewing our existing plan to see what else can be done to support the local community."

North Yorkshire Police appealed for witnesses or anyone who saw a disturbance involving a groups of youths to come forward.

A number of assaults have happened at the bus station in recent years, including that of a 14-year-old boy who was punched in the face.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.