THERE has been anger and dismay after buses had to be diverted at the weekend due to youths throwing "missiles" at them.

The youths were targeting Arriva services in Spen Lane, Gomersal, on Saturday night, meaning three different services had to be re-routed to avoid the area.

They also threw a brick or stone at a car, a local Councillor said, and that the incidents have been reported to police.

Local residents blamed the children's parents and said they need to "take control" of their children, particularly during lockdown.

Liversedge & Gomersal Councillor Lisa Holmes said she has been told the youths' parents take the incidents "incredibly seriously".

In a Facebook post, Arriva Yorkshire said: "Due to kids throwing missiles at buses on Spen Lane, Gomersal, services were diverted via Woodlands Avenue and West Lane in both directions.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

The 254, 254A and 255 services were affected by the disruption.

One commenter, Clare Denham, said: "It's about time their parents were fined, maybe that will be a wake up call for them. Hope the driver & the passengers are ok too."

Another, Anne Hudson, added: "It’s time parents took control of their kids, we’re supposed to be in a lockdown they shouldn’t be out never mind causing trouble."

Posting on Facebook, Cllr Lisa Holmes said: "I have seen several Facebook posts about the incidents on Saturday, and I have spoken to some of those who were affected.

"It seems that it may have been the same group of children involved in both incidents. That is based on what I have been told by someone who’s vehicle was hit by a brick or stone on Spen Lane.

"I have been told that the parents of some of those involved, have taken the matter incredibly seriously.

"They have taken a very dim view of the behaviour of their children and it is likely safe to say that they will be addressing that behaviour. 

"Both incidents have been reported to the police who will take appropriate steps. I do trust that those steps will involve supporting the families as a whole to ensure that the children don’t do this kind of thing again.

"Sometimes children make mistakes, they ‘egg each other on’ and they do things they shouldn’t without thinking of the effect on others.   

"I have contacted our Police Sergeant and asked if we can have some local patrols. I am informed there is at least one other group who are causing problems locally, so that also needs addressing.

"I hope it will also reassure Gomersal residents who have been unnerved by recent events. This is being taken very seriously.

"Gomersal is not a bad area. We are just like everywhere else and from time to time there are problems. The important point is that issues are sorted out as swiftly and effectively as possible."

Cllr Holmes encouraged anyone who spots anti-social behaviour to report it to police by calling 101.

A spokesperson for Arriva said: "We can confirm that there was an incident on Saturday, January 30, incident involving a number of our buses in Gomersal.

“We are currently liaising with the local police regarding these incidents and are unable to comment further until these investigations have concluded, other than to reaffirm that the safety of our passengers and drivers remains our priority at this time.”