Anti-social behaviour on buses has “always been an issue” and removing the bus passes from youngsters will not solve the problem according to the chair of a town community group.

At a meeting of Prestonpans Community Council on Tuesday, members discussed a recent meeting between the Association of East Lothian Community Councils and East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan on the matter.

Some community council members, including in Haddington and Tranent, have suggested removing the bus passes of those who are causing disruption on buses.

READ MORE: Concerns raised about youth-related anti-social behaviour

South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy had asked Siobhian Brown MSP, the Scottish Government Minister for Victims and Community Safety, to meet with residents and other stakeholders to review the situation.

However, DJ Johnston-Smith, chair of Prestonpans Community Council, said he did not believe there was a correlation between antisocial behaviour on buses and free bus travel for youngsters.

He said: “If you look through the archives of Prestonpans, there has been issues with anti-social behaviour on buses for decades. It’s public transport, this is not new.

“The suggestion is that it is linked to free travel. I’m not of mind to support the removal of bus passes, we want our youngsters to be able to get around.

“I’m not sure it is for us to get involved in that either. This is a police issue and not a community council issue.”

Suggestions had beer raised at a meeting of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council earlier this month that a policy could be introduced giving offenders three strikes before passes are removed.

READ MORE: Police bus patrols carried out after anti-social behaviour concerns

Councillor Lee-Anne Menzies, ward member for the area, said at the TECC meeting: “I don’t think we can take it off them for one offence, we have all made mistakes.

“But a three strikes policy would ensure offenders are aware of the consequences and ensure we are only removing them from those repeatedly offending.”

However, Prestonpans Community Council secretary Janis Wilson did not agree with this sentiment when it was brought up at the group’s meeting.

She said: “That still doesn’t work because that kid could rely on that bus to get to school and cannot afford to lose it.”

The group agreed not to pursue the matter further as a community council.