THE number of hire bikes on Bournemouth and Poole's streets is back on the up following "thorough service" work.

As reported, the fleet of Beryl Bikes appeared to have diminished over the festive and New Year period, with only around 100 available on the mobile app.

However, in the past few days field operations manager Martin Jolly has highlighted on social media that bays are starting to fill with bikes again.

Phil Ellis, chief executive officer of Beryl, said: "Since Christmas, we have been working hard to give our bikes a thorough service to ensure that they're meeting all the necessary safety standards.

"The numbers of bikes available to hire have been increasing steadily as we bring the fleet back to full strength, ready for a busy spring and summer season."

Since being introduced last year, police, BCP Council and Beryl have faced issues of vandalism to many of the dockless hire bikes.

The operators are aspiring to eventually deliver a fleet of 1,000 bikes across the conurbation.