PERSONAL alarms are being offered to Blackpool bus drivers following a a spate of violent attacks.

These safety measures come from transport bosses after the plight of the desperate drivers was highlighted in the Citizen last week.

Blackpool Transport has held a series of meetings involving those concerned with driver safety and the outcome includes the issuing of personal attack alarms to staff who work alone, and an action plan for the phased introduction of screens.

Tony Depledge, managing director of Blackpool Transport, said: "These incidents are a sad reflection on society, and it is now time to act.

"As an interim measure, personal attack alarms will be offered to staff. Designs of screens for bus drivers are being researched and these will be introduced next.

"Ensuring driver safety is a complex problem and we will continue to research more ways to protect our staff."

Drivers became more concerned for their personal safety after attacks in the St Annes and Grange Park areas.