People on Leeds estate fear being 'cut off' after vandals target bus services

People living in a Leeds estate tell us they're worried they'll keep getting 'cut off' - if antisocial behaviour forces buses to stop going there.

Earlier this month First temporarily stopped evening services into Old Farnley after two buses were vandalised in one week.

Pictures shared online showed one of the new electric buses with its windows smashed, with the 15 and 42 services then ending early for the next few nights.

After 7pm, passengers were dropped off at the ring road rather than the buses travelling up the hill into Old Farnley.

“I was attending a concert at the Leeds Arena so I got the last bus home,” said one woman who didn’t want to be named.

“It didn’t turn to go into the estate and he just went straight past. And that’s when I found out the bus wasn’t allowed to go into the estate.

“I had to walk up into the estate in the dark on my own.”

We’ve been told an 82-year-old woman was also among those who had to get off and walk.

The buses have now been reinstated but elderly residents attending a class at the community centre told us it’s a constant worry.

“I go to church on a Sunday evening and catch the bus back,” said Evelyn.

“I’ve witnessed quite a bit of vandalism at the bus stops. I’ve seen the buses stopped because of gangs of girls trying to kick the ceiling through.

“Recently there’s been stones thrown at the buses so we’ve already lost some buses that come during the day.

“And the bus shelter is constantly vandalised, we’ve no digital display so we have no idea when the buses are coming.”

“On a Saturday we like to go walking, me and my husband, and we tend to come back between 7 and 8 o’clock at night,” said Carol.

“They’re all in the bandstand, racing up and down in their cars, it feels intimidating. And each Saturday night now we’ve been worried: ’will we be able to get up the hill?’

“We’ve been told the buses have come back but how long for? And if there’s any more antisocial behaviour will they just stop them dead?”

Some people told us they would like to see increased police patrols or plain clothes officers on buses to help crack down on the issue.

And it seems the buses are not the only issue when it comes to antisocial behaviour – the residents told us about some of the other things they’ve experienced:

“I’ve seen them knocking over the litter bins so we don’t have many litter bins around here now,” said Evelyn.

“Throwing things into the post box, fireworks and things…you don’t risk using that post box.”

“A lady across there had her windows broken last year,” said another woman.

“Kids came out and threw a brick through her window at half past three in the afternoon. I’ve walked across here and been attacked by kids throwing stones, and I walk with a walking stick.

A joint statement from West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council said:

“Police received reports of two incidents in the Farnley area of Leeds on March 4th and 5th where stones were thrown at passing buses causing smashed windows. There were no reported injuries. Bus services have since been re-instated and thankfully there have been no recurrences.

“Enquiries are ongoing including examining CCTV to enable identification of suspects. Police patrols have been increased in the area for community reassurance and deterrent.

“As part of the ongoing investigation, West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council have liaised around issues of anti-social behaviour and crime in the Farnley and Wortley Ward area and the Safer Travel team have worked closely with partners, including First Bus to prevent further issues.

“New “Safe Zones” have been launched at every staffed bus station in West Yorkshire to help protect passengers and passersby. Anyone who feels unsafe or at risk of harm can to turn to specially trained members of staff for support.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any further information is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting log number 1922 of 4 March.”