BOOZED-UP revellers will soon be ferried to and from Bas Vegas thanks to the launch of an all-night bus service.

Regal Busways is to launch the Festival Leisure Park bus service next Friday, which will run between 7pm and 5am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The firm said it accepts a number of the early morning passengers are likely to be drunk, but it has installed CCTV on the number N1 and N2 buses, and a protective screen to shield drivers from abuse. Buses on the service will run between Canvey and the leisure park and between Brentwood and the venue, for a trial period of four months. Passengers will be able to buy a £7.50 ticket which they can use as much as they want on the bus routes over the course of a night.

Adrian McGarry, managing director of Regal Busways, said: “The people who are going to use it, especially in the early hours, are possibly going to be drunk.

“So we’re obviously nervous but we’re not afraid of trying something new.”

Stops include Canvey, South Benfleet, Pitsea, Felmores in Basildon, Laindon, Great Burstead, Billericay, Hutton and Brentwood.

The last bus to leave the leisure park for Canvey will be at 4.15am, while the last bus to leave towards Brentwood will be at 4.05am.

Luke Mackenzie, youth champion at Basildon Council, said the bus was a great idea.

He said: “I know a lot of people have been asking for something like this for a long time, as an easier way way to get there.

“It is a good night out for people, but it is a difficult location to get to, so this will make access easier.”

Basildon taxi driver Ralph Morgan, said the bus would not match the service offered by a cab.

He said: “The idea is good, but I don't think it will work.

“It won't be a door to door service and if taxi drivers have to put up with abuse from three men in a cab, a bus full of people will be worse.

“If you miss the last bus you have had it.”