A BUS operator could pull its service running to and from Athersley should antisocial behaviour - which has seen youths throw bricks at vehicles - continue, according to a local councillor.
Earlier this week, vandals in the St Helen’s ward - which covers Athersley and New Lodge - targeted the number 11 bus service which runs through the area.
It’s reported that a brick was thrown at the bus, ultimately smashing the window and resulting in the temporary suspension of the service.
The bus shelter at the Co-op has also recently been smashed, resulting in Coun Neil Wright to call for a stop to the damage.
He told the Chronicle: “There’s a massive impact when something like this goes on.
“Not only does it impact that particular service, but it also could be off the rounds for a number of days which impacts other services.
“It has to stop.
“None of the councillors condone this type of behaviour.”
Following similar incidents taking place in Thurnscoe in 2022 and 2023, Stagecoach ultimately pulled the service from the area for a prolonged period of time after dark.
It caused chaos in the area for residents - and Coun Neil Wright says something similar could occur in his ward should the incidents continue.
He said: “It costs £800 for a piece of the glass to be replaced.
“The kids don’t realise the impact of their actions.
“They need to be educated about the severity of what they’re doing.
“A bus operator could just pull out of the area - they can’t just afford to keep paying for replacements.”
The St Helen’s ward has been plagued by antisocial behaviour in recent weeks.
Figures from the Police UK website show that a total of 1,788 incidents were reported to the Barnsley North Neighbourhood Policing Team last year across Athersley and New Lodge.
The number of incidents was particularly high towards the back end of last year with 188 reported crimes in November and 160 in October compared to 127 incidents in both January and February of last year.
Coun Wright says he is aware of a spike in incidents but is adamant that the council and South Yorkshire Police are on top of the issue.
“We do have pockets of antisocial behaviour,” he said.
“There’s been spikes at points but then it will come down and level out.
“The police are doing a good job at getting on top of things when there are spikes and at the moment we are seeing one of those spikes.
“We’re working with the police and the correct departments to get this sorted.”
A spokesperson for Stagecoach told the Chronicle: “For the safety of our customers and staff, we diverted service 11 in the Athersley area due to vandalism placing customers and staff at risk.
“The safety of our staff and customers is our highest priority.
“We are working very closely with the police and we would ask our local communities to remain vigilant and work with us to report any information that may assist the police with their enquiries.”
