A BUS operator is calling on residents and leaders in Oldham and the rest of Greater Manchester to help stop a rise in 'mindless vandalism' against its vehicles.

First Manchester said there have been eight incidents of bricks and stones being thrown at buses in the last couple of weeks as they pass or wait at stopovers.

The number 83 service from Oldham via Newton Health, which passes through Failsworth and Hollinwood, has seen incidents as well as the 409 between Rochdale and Ashton.

First say a “location of particular concern” is the Copley Estate in Stalybridge where last week the 348 service had to be diverted due to four buses being damaged with smashed windows.

The 84 service between Manchester and Huddersfield has witnessed incidents too.

Further afield, First’s Vantage service has also experienced vandalism with incidents concentrated in an area of the busway near Tyldesley between Astley Street and Sale Lane.

These have led First Manchester to divert and temporarily suspend services on certain days.

The Oldham Times:

One of the buses that was vandalised

Operations director of First Manchester, Adrian Worsfold, said: “This mindless vandalism is endangering our drivers and customers and we’re sure the communities will want to join together and do what they can to end this reckless behaviour 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.”

He added: “Anyone with information about the people involved should come forward with what they know.

“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 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 cancelled.

“Repairing a bus means it is missing from service the following day too.”

To report an incident of vandalism contact police on 101. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/