By John Baron
Vandals have smashed the windows of two buses while they were carrying passengers in the Farnley area, causing evening services to be suspended.
Due to anti-social behaviour, both the 42 and 15 bus services from 7pm are suspended by operators FirstBus.
Two electric buses, operated by First, had their windows smashed this week after objects were thrown at the vehicles on successive nights. No-one is believed to have been injured.
A spokesperson for First Leeds branded the attack as “mindless vandalism” and said: “We are relieved that no-one was hurt or injured as a result of this incident. The young people involved need to understand the worst that could happen and end this mindless vandalism and damage to our buses.
“The safety of our staff and customers is our highest priority and we are working closely with the police to investigate this incident including the use of on board CCTV footage to help identify the individuals. Such attacks can have very serious consequences and we would encourage anyone with information to contact the police or get in touch with Crimestoppers.
“Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to our timetabling arrangements and our service could be withdrawn for the rest of the day and evening or diverted away from the area concerned, disrupting the plans of customers who wish to make their regular journeys. Whilst every effort is made to get our vehicle back on the road the next day, sometimes it may be missing from service.”
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson confirmed officers are investigating CCTV footage in an effort to track down the culprits.
The 15 service is diverting via Butt Lane, Tong Road and Ring Road after 7pm. Service 42 is terminating at The Ring Road in Wortley.
WLD reported on a similar incident in Farnley last year.
While a Tram transit system would great.
What about giving people on the 81 bus route Getting back to a 6 day service instead of Square Peg 5 day service Big hills on Green Hill lane & Troydale area a chance to travel from Leeds city to either Pudsey Bus Station or into Leeds centre on a Saturday. Does the Mayor think we don’t go out on Saturdays ?.
Wrong news item?
The bus service does right. These services should be suspended until the local community learn how to raise and control their young people. Local residents will know who they are, and their families, so should come forward and tell the Police. Until they do, divert the buses.
In cases such as this the criminals and/or the parents should be liable for the full cost of repair.
Well, I’ve just seen a 42 go into Farnley, @21:05. I hope this means that the criminals responsible have been identified and at the VERY LEAST given an ankle tag curfew. More punishment to follow!