TWO Bradford bus services could not run through the Holme Wood estate yesterday because of vandalism. 

First Bus shared the update on social media site Twitter at around 4.45pm, to say the 608 and 617 would not be serving the estate for the remainder of the day "due to acts of vandalism". 

It's the latest in a long line of similar incidents which have caused disruption to bus services.

Earlier this year, Bradford South MP Judith Cummins said the situation could not carry on and had arranged meetings with the police and bus company. 

West Yorkshire Police have previously deployed 'trojan buses' to crack down on anti-social behaviour. 

The tactic sees police officers in plain clothes ride on bus services through ‘hotspot’ areas.

Back in March, when there had been a spate of attacks in Holme Wood and Bierley, 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."

He added: “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 buses have resumed their full routes today.

First has been contacted for a comment on the latest vandalism.