YOUNGSTERS from Portishead could be enjoying a night out in Bristol - if exciting proposals to launch a late night bus service get the green light. Councillor Colin Howell

YOUNGSTERS from Portishead could be enjoying a night out in Bristol - if exciting proposals to launch a late night bus service get the green light.Councillor Colin Howell is investigating the possibility of running a late night service from the town at weekends to take youngsters up to Cribbs Causeway.Following talks with local bus operators, a firm has been identified who would charge £200 for the service, which would run on either a Friday or Saturday night.The need for a late night bus service was raised at a meeting between Gordano School students and local councillors.Now Councillor Howell says he plans to raise the idea with colleagues at Portishead and North Weston Town Council to see if funds can be earmarked for such a service.Councillor Howells said: "The problem is that the young people in the town can get up to Cribbs Causeway, but the last bus back to Portishead is around 7pm which is far too early."By looking at providing a bus we could provide our local teenagers with facilities which are currently not in the town such as a cinema or a bowling alley."People complain about the young people being on the streets and by providing a service like this, it will give our young people an alternative."Cllr Howells said he is now keen to hear from young people and assess the demand for such a service. He is urging young people to e-mail him at colin@howells2148.freeserve.co.uk with their opinions.Cllr Howells added: "Obviously there is the financial implications of this idea, so it is important to try and find out how many of our young people would use this service. We also need to find out whether it would be required weekly or monthly and how much the teenagers would be prepared to pay to get up to Cribbs Causeway and what level of subsidy, if any, was needed."I would like to get this initiative underway as quickly as possible and perhaps it is something which could be run on a trial basis.