LATEST NEWS: Buses terminating early after vandalism on estate

A BUS company in Bradford has spoken out after attacks on its services.

The first incident was reported to have happened at around 7.30pm last Wednesday.

"The second incident was reported on Thursday, at around the same time.  

On Friday, First said its 617/618 services were diverting to avoid Broadstone Way - the main road which runs through the heart of the Holme Wood estate. 

A spokesperson for First Bradford said: “The safety of our staff and customers is our highest priority and we are working closely with the police to investigate these incidents including the use of onboard CCTV footage to help identify the individuals involved.

“Such attacks can have very serious consequences and we would encourage anyone with information to contact the police or get in touch with Crimestoppers.

“Every time we have to divert buses or shorten a route it is disrupting the lives of local people in the communities we serve.

“Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to the timetable. 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 cancelled and or re-routed to avoid further incidents.

"Repairing a bus means it may also be missing from service the following day too.” 

Councillor Matt Edwards (Green Party, Tong) said: "Tong ward councillors are working with the police to tackle the small number of people that cause anti-social behaviour across the area. We will be speaking to them to see what we need to be doing to address this incident.

"Car ownership in Holme Wood is not only some of the lowest in Bradford, it's some of the lowest in the country. Hundreds of people rely on buses to get around so this is really frustrating.

"I urge anyone with information to contact the police to help them catch those doing this."

In a statement at the end of last week, a spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are investigating after two reports of criminal damage on buses on the Holme Wood estate.

"The first incident was reported to have happened at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 13.

"The second incident was reported on Thursday, March 14, at around the same time. "Enquiries are ongoing.

"Local Neighbourhood Police Officers will be providing reassurance in the area. "Anyone who witnessed the criminal damage is asked to contact police via 101 or use the Live Chat facility at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat quoting crime reference 1324013975."