Local residents say they are left disgusted by youths throwing objects at trentbarton buses, causing damage to the vehicles. Trentbarton buses stopped serving part of Cotmanhay near Ilkeston as objects were thrown at three buses on December 5.
The buses on the two routes sustained broken windows and are currently off the road for repair. The incidents happened between Ilkeston Tesco and Church Street.
Trent Barton has now decided to withdraw The Two and Ilkeston Flyer services from Cotmanhay Road from 6pm until the last journey of the evening.
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Cotmanhay residents have shared their concerns, with many saying it's not safe for the drivers or passengers on the buses. Jake Seagrave, 32, who works at Tesco's said: “It’s pretty disgusting, it happened not so long ago.”
At the same location, in March this year where children were hiding behind a hedge at Granby Park on Cotmanhay Road and throwing bags of dog faeces and stones at cars which were passing by.
He continued: “We saw the bags, that was not so pleasant. It’s not safe for people travelling on the buses.”
A resident who regularly uses the bus route often and wished to remain anonymous said: “What they do is stand there and throw things, it’s dangerous, it could kill someone, especially a brick. A brick isn’t like throwing an egg."
Another resident Rachel McLoughlin, told Nottinghamshire Live the bus routes are well used.
The 33-year-old said: “Lots of people use it, it’s a popular bus route. It’s terrible.”
A trentbarton spokesperson said: “We stopped serving part of Cotmanhay on Monday evening between Ilkeston Tesco and Church Street after three buses were damaged by being hit with objects thrown at them.
“The buses on the two route sustained broken windows and are currently off the road for repair. Thankfully the customers on board were uninjured but the decision was made to pull out of Cotmanhay that night to protect our customers and drivers.
“Sadly, objects were thrown at two more buses on Tuesday evening. Although no damage was caused, we decided to withdraw the two and ilkeston flyer services from Cotmanhay Road from 6pm until the last journey of the evening.
“We are liaising with the Police and are examining our CCTV recordings. We urge anyone who can help identify those responsible to come forward.
“The reckless acts are dangerous and costly. Three buses were forced off the road due to the damage and people were put at risk.
“The temporary changes to the two and Ilkeston flyer route, which will be in place for a few days, are shown on our website."
A spokesperson from Derbyshire Police said: “We received a report of youths throwing items at buses in Cotmanhay Road, close to Granby Park Recreation Ground, Ilkeston shortly after 7pm on Monday (5 December). This resulted in damage to buses, including broken windows and as a result Trent Barton diverted the route of further buses that evening.
“We are keen to hear from anyone with information about the incident, particularly those with private CCTV installed nearby or anyone driving in the area with dash cam installed.
“Anyone with footage which may be useful to officers should ensure it is downloaded to a separate, secure device ready for them to view."
Those with information can contact Derbyshire Police quote referencing number 22*712305. People can contact them with information on Facebook, Twitter, call 101, or anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111
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