Coventry bus firm U-turn after robbery concern

BUSES will start serving Wood End from after a spate of robberies led to a service being cut.

Bus company Travel De Courcey announced they were diverting their buses away from Wood End after “consecutive robbery attacks” and “general anti-social behaviour” in the area.

The 703 bus, which goes from the hospital to Tesco in Longford, has not served Wood End for over a month.

City councillor Ed Ruane, who represents the Henley ward, said he had been getting complaints from residents who were unable to get to work and hospital appointments.

A spokesperson for Travel De Courcey said the service had been cut for the safety of passengers and drivers.

This week the company announced that the service would resume its route through Roseberry Avenue and Hillmorton Road from today.

A statement on the Travel De Courcey website, posted on January 14, reads: “Dear passengers, we are pleased to announce that from Wednesday 16th of January, the 703 service will resume normal service, serving the Wood End area.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Commercial director John Bowns previously said “both West Midlands Police and Travel de Courcey are in constant dialogue to actively resolve the issue”.

The Telegraph has contacted Travel De Courcey for further information on the incidents and to ask whether any measures to prevent further attacks have been put in place.

We had not received a response at the time of publication.

The Telegraph has also contacted West Midlands Police.