BEHAVIOUR on a school bus became so bad the company threatened to remove the service.

Brighton and Hove Buses told Patcham High School they were considering removing the 74 and 75 bus service used by hundreds of students after bus drivers, members of the public and students made reports of anti-social behaviour and so much rubbish was left on one bus it had to be taken back to the depot.

Headteacher John McKee wrote to parents warning them the bus service could be scrapped.

In a letter to parents he said: "It has been brought to my attention that due to continued poor behaviour on the school buses by students at Patcham High School, a proposal was made to remove the number 74 and 75 service from the school.

"There have been reports from Brighton and Hove Buses, members of the public and students about the poor behaviour displayed by some Patcham High students.

"Students have previously been warned of the consequences of this anti-social behaviour. The Sussex Police Liaison Officer, who works with Brighton and Hove Buses, met with school representatives to discuss the way forward. Brighton and Hove Buses are considering removing both bus services. This would have a huge impact on our students."

He added: "I am very sad to be writing to you about theses issues, but feel that it is important that you are made aware of the severity of the situation."

The 74 bus service runs from Queens Park to Patcham, while 75 bus runs from Lower Bevendean to Patcham.

According to bus staff the bus had to return to the depot after school runs due to litter on the bus, before it could go back to regular bus services.

To avoid the service being scrapped the school met with a Sussex Police liaison officer, who works with Brighton and Hove buses, to make an action plan.

Culprits will now be identified on CCTV and banned from using the bus.

Speaking to The Argus Mr McKee said an incident involving a driver not stopping for students was also addressed, but the bus service was secure after moving forward with bus company.

He said: "As a school we should have a dialogue with the people we work with so we can improve the school and the bus service."

Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Martin Harris said: "We will continue to work closely with the school and are very grateful for their support in ensuring good standards of behaviour are maintained.

"We wouldn't take action of any sort without collaborating with Patcham High and speaking with the council."