Police have increased patrols in a village where ‘reckless’ youths have been throwing objects at buses.
On December 5, Trent Barton stopped serving part of Cotmanhay near Ilkeston and withdrew two bus services from 6pm until the last journey of the evening as objects were thrown at three buses.
Youths were said to be throwing objects from Cotmanhay Road, near Granby Park. It follows reports from March this year, when yobs were said to be hiding behind a hedge at the same location and throwing bags of dog faeces and stones at passing cars.
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Erewash Borough Council Community Safety team and Derbyshire Police have been patrolling and working to identify the individuals.
Local residents expressed ‘frustration’ over the ongoing issues with antisocial behaviour as it ‘lets the area down’.
Ilkeston resident Grant Amsell said: “You’d think they’d have better things to do than throwing stones at buses. It’s stupid.
“It’s not just that, there are old people on the bus. The elderly rely on the bus and now they can’t get it because it’s at the top of the road because of the kids.”
The 31-year-old continued: “It’s just stupid, they’re stopping the Two and the Flyer after six. It’s frustrating.”
Another resident from Cotmanhay who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment towards the behaviour. They said: “It’s really worrying. These issues in the area really let it down. I remember it happening a while back, throwing things at the buses and cars. Something needs to be done, it’s not safe at all. They’re putting drivers at risk.”
Councillor Val Clare, Lead Member for Community Engagement at Erewash Borough Council, said:
“The council is aware of the reported incidents where objects have been thrown at vehicles in the Cotmanhay area. The council’s Community Safety team is working closely with partners including the police to identify the individuals responsible for this dangerous and reckless behaviour.
“I am disappointed to hear about this irresponsible behaviour within our local community and would urge anyone with information relating to these incidents or those responsible to report this to the police.
“It is imperative for the police to be able to identify these individuals.”
In a statement, Derbyshire Police said: "Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team in Ilkeston are currently carrying out increased patrols in the Cotmanhay area following reports of the bus being damaged.
"Enquiries are still ongoing into the incident in Cotmanhay Road, close to Granby Park Recreation Ground, Ilkeston shortly after 7pm on Monday (5 December).
"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 information is asked to contact the force with reference 22*712305."
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