Attacks on Metrobus may mean cuts to local services
Attacks last weekend on the m1 Metrobus which passes through Knowle West may mean cuts to night time services to the area.
The m1 which runs from Hengrove to Cribbs Causeway via the city centre was was vandalised on two separate occasions.
Windows were smashed as the service travelled through Bamfield Road in Hengrove last Friday night and at Inns Court on Saturday evening – when youths threw objects at them.
Police are now investigating the incidents and asking the public for any information about the vandalism. The attacks meant the buses had to be taken out of service during the weekend – but no-one was hurt.
“…we know how vital these services are for many people in this community”
HCT which runs Bristol Community Transport has warned it may mean the area could be without the m1 service if this continues.
An HCT spokesperson said: “The safety of our staff and customers is paramount. If the buses continue to be targeted in this way, we may have no alternative other than to cancel or divert services. This would not be a measure taken lightly, as we know how vital these services are for many people in this community.”
The m1 was first launched in January 2019 with the aim of better connecting the people of South Bristol with the city centre and North Bristol – and has stops at Inns Court and the end of Filwood Broadway.
There have been several attacks on buses in South Bristol over the last few years including First’s 90 service which runs through Knowle West and the 75 and 76.
Wessex’s 51 – which was brought back into service following a campaign – was attacked just a few weeks after the company took it over in 2016 and stopped temporarily, with the same thing happening the following two years.
Police have not confirmed if they will be stepping up patrols as a result or putting officers on buses on certain routes to combat the problem.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing following two reports of criminal damage to buses in Bristol last weekend.
“The first occurred on Bamfield Road in Hengrove at around 11.40pm on Friday 5 November. Stones were thrown at a double decker bus by a group of unknown young people. Two windows were smashed.
“The second occurred on Creswicke road, Knowle at around 8.10pm on Saturday 6 November. Two men wearing black clothing threw objects at a bus, smashing the glass doors. The men ran off in the direction of Inns Court.
“Thankfully no-one was hurt in either incident. We are keeping an open mind as to whether they may be linked.”
If anyone has information about who was responsible for either incident they should call 101 quoting reference 5221261423 (Bamfield Road) or 5221260639 (Creswicke Road).
