Buses forced to divert by Methil stone-throwing youths.

Fears for safety of drivers and passengers after window broken in stone-throwing incident

Police are hunting vandals who forced the diversion of a number of Fife bus services due to safety fears.

Stone-throwing youngsters prompted bus firm Stagecoach to withdraw five services from Kirkland Walk in Methil for the protection of passengers and drivers.

The youths’ actions, branded “irresponsible and very dangerous”, saw dozens of passengers inconvenienced, with both local trips and journeys to Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes affected.

Police are investigating the incidents, which saw one window broken after a stone was hurled at a bus last week.

One woman said many of those affected were elderly and vulnerable people, who relied on the bus to get prescriptions and shopping.

“It’s awful that they’ve had to pull services from vulnerable people who rely on them,” she said.

While the services were reinstated on Friday after a four-day diversion, Stagecoach has called for anyone with information about the incidents to contact police.

A spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, we have suffered some mindless vandalism whilst operating services along Kirkland Walk and to protect our drivers and passengers we took the difficult decision to withdraw operations from this area on Tuesday.

“The police were informed and following their continued involvement in the situation we have now returned services to Kirkland Walk.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to passengers.”

A police spokeswoman said: “Police in Fife have received one recent report of vandalism to a bus travelling in Kirkland Walk, Methil, which took place on Tuesday August 13.

“A window was damaged, but no one was injured, and officers are following a positive line of inquiry.”

SNP councillor Ken Caldwell, convener of Levenmouth area committee, said he had been disappointed to hear of Stagecoach’s decision.

“However, it is understandable if there has been vandalism to any of their buses,” he said.

“It is a huge inconvenience to local residents who rely on these services for work etc.”

Labour councillor David Graham also expressed concern about the withdrawal of vital services.

“These acts of vandalism are irresponsible and very dangerous to both the drivers and the passengers,” he said.

“I would urge anyone who has information on these incidents to contact the police.”

“It’s awful that they’ve had to pull services from vulnerable people who rely on them. LOCAL WOMAN