LATE-NIGHT fights at bus stops were cut when wardens were deployed to patrol queues in Glasgow city centre.

And today an MSP called for the marshalls to be brought back permanently after First ended the three-month scheme.

The initiative ran between November and February in the Nite Zone at Central Station and led to a rise in passenger numbers, according to Glasgow Community and Safety Services.

The CCTV-covered Nite Zone - and two others at Sauchiehall Street and Byres Road - aims to increase safety in the city by clearing revellers from busy nightlife areas quicker.

Taxi marshalls manned queues on Friday and Saturday nights at the three locations.

GCSS boss Phil Walker said: "Bus wardens have been operating in Hope Street and Union Street at weekends between November and February with positive results.

"Around 1600 people were looked after each weekend. The marshalls were of the impression that, over the weeks, disturbances at bus stops reduced and customer queues increased as people felt more reassured."

He added: "The more resources we can deploy to work with Strathclyde Police to help police the streets, the more we can provide a safety blanket for visitors which is reflected in the reducing violence reported to the police."

He added that GCSS would "value the wardens presence in the future".

SNP MSP Sandra White, who lives in the city centre, said: "I think First should now dig into its pockets and make this scheme permanent.

"The presence of wardens at bus stops has clearly reassured passengers.

"But if it is made permanent it's important that the company carries the cost as people already pay enough for their fares."

First in Glasgow, whose staff manned the stops, said it would welcome discussions on making the scheme permanent.

A spokeswoman said: "The initiative was introduced during this period due to the increased number of people in the city centre during the festive season.

"First in Glasgow acknowledge the effectiveness of the initiative and welcome discussions with the other partners involved with regards extending the scheme."

Details of the wardens success emerged in a report to Glasgow's Local Licensing Forum, a committee which was set up under the new Licensing Act.