This is according to Launceston City Council aldermen Hugh McKenzie and Tony Peck, who yesterday said in a strategic planning meeting, the issue of bad behaviour at stops must be addressed or it would continue to be a costly burden to the city. Their claim about national retailers comes with the release of an interchange study conducted by consultants Pitt & Sherry and provided to the aldermen.

The report investigated seven options, however recommended that the council leave the stops where they are and upgrade the facilities including building dividers to separate commuters from shop fronts.

Alderman McKenzie first raised the issue of moving the stops in February and said he also knew of some businesses that had been forced to move away.

He said the fact that there was so many vacant shop fronts, yet national retailers wanted to move in, something had to be done.

Alderman McKenzie's preferred option was to move the stops to Civic Square.

Alderman Rob Soward raised concerns that moving the stops would only move the problem and not address the issue.

Mayor Albert van Zetten said that once the police were alerted they had patrolled the area more frequently and it did result in a decline in unruly behaviour in the past.

Council infrastructure services director Harry Galea said leaving the stops where they were and upgrading facilities would be the cheapest option.

Following the strategic planning meeting, aldermen attended a City Heart project workshop to discuss how this would marry in with any plans to move the stops.

The matter will go back to the council in the future.