CLASSICAL music is being used as the latest "weapon" in the batle against yobbish behaviour at Newport's bus station.

Waiting passengers often feel intimidated by young people handing around but dislike of the music being piped over the tannoys is keeping troublemakers at bay.

Graffiti, vandalism and threatening behaviour were having a huge impact at the station until this latest project to combat "yob culture".

The initiative was developed by community groups through Newport Young People's Partnerships, with National Assembly funding.

Now, instead of boisterous youths, popular classical tunes greet people using the bus station.

Newport Transport boss Trevor Roberts said bus drivers and inspectors had seen a marked decrease in nuisance behaviour at the station since the scheme began a month ago.

He said: "It has been a very encouraging experiment.

"We have had one or two complaints about the music, particularly from the younger age group, but there is still massive support, mainly from people who realise the effect it has had."

He said some of the drivers believed it had even led to more people using the station in the evenings.

"It is having the desired effect, and people feel more secure and comfortable coming into the bus station," he added.

Pradip Kotecha, owner of the newsagents in the station for 15 years, said there had definitely been an improvement. "Every day at about 3.30pm groups of youngsters would be hanging around, but since the music was introduced they are not around any more. My customers are happier."

Charles Ferris, owner of the nearby caf and chip shop, said: "It certainly seems to be driving the unruly youths out, but I think it is a shame that we have to play our finest music to alienate our youngsters."

He also felt that it would be even better if the council invested in better equipment to improve the sound quality.

Passengers also gave it the thumbs-up. Frank Thomas, 60, a recruitment manager from Monmouth, said: "I think it is an excellent idea."

Nurse Luleka Tindleni, 52, from Abercarn, said: "It is beautiful and very soothing."

Ryan Cork, 18, a drama student from Beechwood, was also impressed but sceptical about its impact: "It is a much nicer environment but I don't think it's going to stop anti-social behaviour."

Police Constable Deb White, crime and disorder reduction officer, hailed the project as "a great success".