A SPATE of bus attacks in two Bradford estates is “robbing” residents of a vital service and an MP has vowed to put a stop to the vandalism.

Three services, that normally run through the heart of Holme Wood, were cut short yesterday.

First West Yorkshire announced on Twitter in the morning, that the 608, 617 and 618 buses were not serving the Holme Wood estate due to vandalism.

The 617 and 618 services terminated at Dudley Hill roundabout and the 608 ended at Broadstone Way/Lymington Drive instead.

The services began operating as normal again from 4.57pm that day, according to First West Yorkshire.

It is the latest in a string of vandalism incidents involving buses within a similar area.

Last week, children smashed a bus window and threw stones as a bus driver pulled into Burnham Avenue, in Bierley - just over a mile away from Holme Wood.

First West Yorkshire also revealed yesterday that there have been eight incidents of vandalism, involving its buses, on Broadstone Way between March 1 and 8.

Seven windows were smashed, as well as one windscreen.

Most of the attacks happened between 5.30pm and 7.15pm, with one occurring at 10.30pm.

Tom Bridge, Operations Director of First West Yorkshire, said: “This dangerous disregard for the safety of our drivers and customers has to stop.

“We are working with the police, councillors and community leaders to help put an end to this vandalism and reckless behaviour and would urge others with influence on young people in the area to join with us before we have to consider more drastic action, such as withdrawing services.

“Anyone with information about the people involved should come forward with what they know.

"We have also made available CCTV footage from on board which might help identify the culprits.

“Every time we have to divert buses or shorten a route it is disrupting the lives of local people in the communities we serve, especially at this time when we are focused on ensuring key workers and anyone making essential journeys can travel when they need to.

“Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to timetable arrangements.

"We aim to source a replacement bus as quickly as possible in order to minimise disruption to our customers, but when vandalism occurs while the bus is in service, then it does inevitably and regrettably result in at least part of that scheduled journey being lost.

"Repairing a bus means it is missing from service the following day too.

“The safety of our colleagues and customers is our highest priority and we will take any steps we feel necessary to safeguard their welfare.”

The MP representing the area and a community campaigner are also taking a stand and feel enough is enough.

Judith Cummins MP for Bradford South said: “These isolated incidents of criminal behaviour impact disproportionately on residents in this particular area.

“I have spoken to the police and the council regarding these ongoing issues as it is simply unacceptable that a small group of people cause disruption for so many others.

“I am waiting to meet with both the bus company and the police as a matter of urgency as this situation cannot carry on.”

Tom Hughes, community campaigner for Tong, said: “These acts of vandalism rob residents of a vital transport service, and it has been frustrating for residents across Holme Wood and Bierley, including many key workers who rely on public transport.

“Over the last few months, I have been in regular contact with many of our fantastic community groups who have been out on our streets engaging young people and challenging anti-social behaviour, but more needs to be done.

“We urgently need an approach bringing First Bus, the police, community groups and residents together to deal with this behaviour.”

Meanwhile, Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) feels the parents of the “little brats” need to take responsbility too.

Read more about that here...

He explained that there has been a "tremendous" amount of police activity in the area over the last four days, with extra officers in place (some in unmarked cars) and plainclothes police using "Trojan" buses to seek out any potential offenders.

The councillor added that those representing the area, and the force, are working hard together to try resolve the situation, but he admitted it is difficult without the public giving information.

Inspector Andy Thornton, who leads the Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We are continuing to work as a multi-agency partnership to address the issue of attacks on buses and taxis in the Bradford South area.

“These will not be tolerated and we are working with partners to identify those involved, as well as increasing patrols to reassure residents that we take these incidents seriously.

“We are committed to working with the public and partners to keep people safe in Bradford South safe and anyone with information about those involved in these attacks is urged to contact us, so we can take appropriate and robust action.”

Information can be reported to the Bradford South team by calling 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, on: 0800 555111.