THE decision to stop bus services running into Thurnscoe after 5pm – leaving residents unable to get home after work and attend hospital appointments – has been slammed by a local councillor.
In November, Stagecoach suspended all services after running into the area after 6pm before someone was hurt.
It came after missiles were launched at passing buses – and similar events have forced the bus company to stop buses running into the area after 5pm.
A Stagecoach spokesperson said: “From 5pm we will not be able to serve Thurnscoe.
“We really are sorry it has come to this but we need to protect the safety of our drivers and our customers.
“Please be assured we are working closely with South Yorkshire Police to get this sorted.
“Any updates will be posted on our website and on Twitter, so please keep an eye out.”
The 226 service will both start and terminate in Goldthorpe, whilst the 219 service will turnaround at Great Houghton until further notice.
It’s left residents unable to return home after work, college or a trip to the town centre – prompting a local councillor to slam the decision.
Coun Sue Bellamy, who represents Dearne North, told the Chronicle: “This is so frustrating.
“Although I thoroughly understand that passenger and driver safety must come first, I really do think that this is close to admitting that those who choose to behave in such an antisocial manner have won – they haven’t.
“South Yorkshire Police, in partnership with Barnsley Council and Berneslai Homes have been working hard to both identify and modify the behaviour of a tiny minority who are determined to ruin our community spirit and resilience.
“A great many people within our village have come to rely on public transport to get to work, attend college, visit relatives and attend hospital appointments.
“This new restriction places great pressure on out community and I want tell those who are bringing the reputation of Thurnscoe down – you won’t win.
“There’s no such thing as a no go zone in Barnsley.”
Coun Bellamy’s partner, Martin Morrell, Labour’s prospective candidate for Dearne North, echoed her sentiment.
He said: “We were all young once, but this goes beyond having a laugh.
“I’m pretty sure the vast majority of right minded people in our community are totally fed up with those determined to ruin things for the majority.
“The new bus restriction is a major inconvenience for many and I hope the recent actions of South Yorkshire Police and others will go some way to convince Stagecoach to return to offering a full timetable to the residents of Thurnscoe.
“Our village deserves it.”