Halifax buses could be diverted if mindless vandals continue attacking and smashing windows on vehicles

First Halifax and Calder Valley is asking community leaders, residents and local councillors in the Mixenden area to help stop a rise in vandalism to its buses.

In the last week there have been several incidents of bricks and stones being thrown at vehicles as they pass by or waiting at stopovers, causing smashed windows.

Locations of particular concern are Clough Lane and Mixenden Road which led First to divert and temporarily suspend its 510 and 512 services last night (Monday 9 November).

Tom Bridge, Operations Director of First West Yorkshire, said: “This mindless vandalism is endangering our drivers and customers and disrupting the lives of local people trying to get to and from work and make necessary trips.

"We’re sure the community will want to join together and do what they can to end this reckless behaviour as it needs to stop before someone is seriously hurt or worse.

“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.

"Although isolated, such attacks can have very serious consequences and we would encourage anyone with information to contact the police or get in touch with Crimestoppers.”

First Halifax and Calder Valley states that if the wave of vandalism continues it will consider diversions away from parts Mixenden and stopping services earlier in the evening to ensure staff and customer safety.

He added: “Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to timetable arrangements, with damaged buses having to be withdrawn. 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.

“In the current circumstances a delay or non-running on part of a route could impact the travel plans of key workers in health and other essential sectors, so the knock-on can affect other vital services.”

“We appreciate the inconvenience this would cause but have to safeguard our drivers and passengers."

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