Blue Star operations manager Paul Coin took the decision to withdraw his firm’s buses for the safety of staff and passengers.
He said: “We know that by withdrawing a service we’re disadvantaging loyal customers, which is something we don’t want to do, but we have to put the safety of our drivers and customers first.
“We are monitoring it on a daily basis. We may take a view that we might have to withdraw for a lengthier period next time but the last thing we want to do is make Millbrook a no go area.”This is not an unknown occurrence, more’s the pity.
The suspension of services has dismayed residents. Chris Fox, 72, a retired company director, from Millbrook, said: “There are a lot of people who don’t have cars and are on benefits, so they rely on the buses to get into the city centre.”And they are breeding the sort of morons who throw stones at the buses that are their granny's and nephew's only means of transport!
A Hampshire police spokesman said: “This seems to be mindless acts of vandalism by youths throwing stones or similar items at the buses and breaking windows, which sometimes then shatter.
“Not only does this put the passengers and driver in real danger from breaking glass and the distraction but it also means the buses have to be repaired. which takes them off the road. This can affect everyone who uses the bus service in Millbrook.
“We will be working with the bus companies to try and catch those responsible and would urge anyone with any information about who is carrying out the vandalism to contact us.”How about some patrolling, so you can catch them in the act? How about some undercover work riding the buses, so you can catch them in the act?
Does anyone ever get caught in the act any more?
How can they patrol when there are more important things to do such as send emails and fill in PDRs?
ReplyDeleteFind it hard to add anything to this. It's the dilemma.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet the local police already have a shrewd idea of who it could be. Evidence, that's a different matter and it isn't easy to get unless you've got wings and can zoom from the bus, up an embankment and on to a road bridge.
ReplyDeleteFor info:
Over in Suffolk, police issued an FOI which is worth a careful reading; the request wanted the figures broken down in to motorway and other roads but as the police point out, Suffolk doesn't have any roads classified as motorways.
That's because by the time they constructed and uprated the A14 the word 'motorway' was so controversial that they nearly named it "Dingley Dell from the Midlands to the Seaside". It isn't a motorway but parts of it are similar to one.
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The disposals look discouragingly trivial. From related stories it may be that some missile-throwing is from unsupervised children under the age of 10.
The only place you ever see coppers* in Warwick is in the council offices; comfortably esconced with tea and biccies,discussing stats with the council local community officer.
ReplyDelete*i.e, PCSO's, you NEVER see a proper copper in Warwick.
Like the urban fox, plod goes to ground at the commencement of each shift and is rarely seen by civilian eyes in situations where safety could be an issue.
ReplyDeleteTo the novice filth spotter, plod can be distinguished from the common PCSO by virtue of bleaching down one side of the former's unkempt, dark 'plumage'.
"How can they patrol when there are more important things to do such as send emails and fill in PDRs?"
ReplyDeleteBe fair.
Don't forget they have to monitor Twatter for thought crimes too.
How about a reward scheme.
ReplyDeleteIt goes like this.
PersonA videos PersonB throwing stones at bus.
PersonA shows Video and then PersonB's head as proof that PersonB will no longer throw stones.
Gov gives PersonA some cash for solving problem.
PersonA videos PersonB throwing stones at bus.
ReplyDeletePersonA shows Video and then PersonB's head as proof that PersonB will no longer throw stones.
Gov gives PersonA some cash for solving problem.
I'm thinking hood ornaments.
"How can they patrol when there are more important things to do such as send emails and fill in PDRs?"
ReplyDeleteAnd, as anon points out, the latest fad - thoughtcrime!
"The disposals look discouragingly trivial. From related stories it may be that some missile-throwing is from unsupervised children under the age of 10."
Yup, most likely. Chalk up another success for the benefit system!
"Gov gives PersonA some cash for solving problem."
Heh!