Bus company bosses have a declared a Hampshire estate a no-go zone after 3.30pm after stones were thrown at vehicles...
BUS company bosses have become well versed in dealing with complaints from passengers about late-running services or last-minute cancellations.
Now a new and potentially dangerous, problem is exercising their minds - vandals stoning their vehicles in scenes straight out of a war zone.
Managers at one company say enough is enough and have removed evening services from one Hampshire estate.
They say the area has become a no-go zone for buses after 3.30pm after vehicles were attacked by stone-throwing yobs - some thought to be just six years old.
Children have hurled objects at Solent Blue Line buses, smashing several windows in a spate of incidents that have endangered the safety of drivers and passengers.
The hooligans have also attempted to stop a vehicle by building a barricade across the road, but the driver bulldozed his way through.
Now numbers 37 and 38 buses will no longer enter the Heather Road estate at Blackfield after 3.30pm - the time when the attacks start.
Solent Blue Line drivers affected by the vandalism include Paul Cullen, 34, of Hythe, whose vehicle has been attacked three times.
He said: "On the first occasion I was driving past a group of six or seven children who appeared to be between six and ten years of age.
"As I went past, the bus was hit by several stones, one of which smashed a side window about ten feet behind me.
"The second incident occurred last Friday about 5.30pm. I didn't see anyone but suddenly heard a loud bang as a stone struck one of the windows near the back of the bus.
"Luckily I had just dropped the last passenger off."
Mr Cullen said the third attack occurred near Blackfield Crossroads when plastic bottles and other objects, but no stones, were thrown at his vehicle.
He added: "The incidents involving the stones left me feeling a bit shaken and nervous that the next one might come through the window.
"I'm relieved that for the time being we won't be going on to the estate after 3.30pm."
Solent Blue Line has axed its late afternoon and early evening services after becoming the latest bus company in Hampshire to be targeted by yobs.
Buses have been pelted with stones in several parts of Southampton.
Vehicles have been diverted away from residential areas, and other services in the city have been disrupted as a result of buses being taken off the road for repairs.
The problems at Heather Road began to escalate about two weeks ago.
Bob Dorr, the company's service delivery director, said: "There have been at least five incidents in which windows have been broken, which must have been quite upsetting and distressing for the people on board.
"There have also been other incidents in which missiles have been thrown at buses but didn't smash any of the glass.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that our staff and passengers travel in relative safety and recent events have made us extremely concerned.
"We have no evidence that anyone has been injured, but the potential is there.
"If a missile went through a driver's window and hit him on the head or caused him to lose his sight, even momentarily, the consequences could be enormous."
The incident involving the barricade occurred on Monday at 5.50pm.
Mr Dorr added: "Planks of wood were mounted on rubble to try to stop the bus, but the driver managed to bulldoze his way through.
"We don't know what would have happened if he hadn't been able to proceed.
"We have now withdrawn the service after 3.30pm while we talk to the relevant agencies. We hope to reinstate it in the future, but only when the situation is sufficiently calm.
"Sadly people won't be able to use the service following the mindless activity of what could be just one or two individuals.
"We have an open dialogue with the police, who are investigating these incidents and have advised our drivers to dial 999 if any similar problems occur in the future."
New Forest East MP Dr Julian Lewis said residents should ring the police if they knew the identity of the vandals.
He added: "People who depend on public transport have been deprived on a very valuable amenity. I hope the courts make an example of anyone who is apprehended."
Blackfield councillor Lee Dunsdon said: "The problem with the buses got really bad over the weekend.
"As from Tuesday buses no longer enter the Heather Road estate after 3.30pm. The service is subsidised by Hampshire County Council, which has reluctantly consented to the change."
Inspector Mick Buckle, of Hythe Police, said patrols in the area had already been stepped up.
He added: "I appreciate that damage has been caused to buses, but withdrawing the service after 3.30pm would appear to be a rather extreme measure."
Heather Road residents we spoke to said they knew nothing about buses being attacked but expressed sadness and frustration about the bus cancellations.
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