'Acts of mindless vandalism' causing disruption to buses

First Bus say it has been experiencing problems in Holme Wood with objects being thrown at services.

In one instance, a wheel brace was tossed through a window smashing it in pieces on Holme Wood Road.

First say it is relieved no one has been seriously hurt or injured during the incidents.

It 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."

Members of the public and staff put at risk of 'serious injury'

Bradford South MP Judith Cummins feels it is "unacceptable" that the minority feel they can cause such massive disruption.

Ms Cummins said: “Acts of mindless vandalism like this take much-needed bus services off the road and put members of the public and staff at risk of serious injury.

"It is unacceptable that a small minority of people think they are entitled to cause such massive disruption to the thousands of residents in Holme Wood who rely public transport to go to work and get on with their daily lives.

"I am in contact with West Yorkshire Police and First Bus about these incidents and encourage any residents with information to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101.”

'We need to give young people something to do'

Tong Ward Councillor Matt Edwards (Green) claims the issue is not only present in Holme Wood.

He said: "Green Councillors for Tong Ward continue to push both the police and Bradford Council to do more to tackle the anti-social behaviour not just in Holme Wood, but in Bierley as well.

"But if we really want to properly deal with the problems, we need to give young people something to do. 

"Youth services in BD4 have been decimated over the last decade and it's going to take time to fix. 

"But we are working with the police, council and community groups to try and fix these issues."

Full First Bradford statement

A spokesperson for First Bradford said: “We have been experiencing problems in the Holme Wood area for the past week and are relieved that no one has been seriously hurt or injured as a result of objects being thrown at buses.

“The safety of our staff and customers is our highest priority and we are working closely with the police to investigate the incidents including the use of on board 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 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.”