BUSES are set to finally serve Thurnscoe after dark - following a six-month hiatus due to antisocial behaviour - after bosses confirmed a trial period has been given the green light.
In October, Stagecoach suspended all services running into the area after 5pm after missiles were launched at passing buses.
However it has been confirmed this week that the area will finally get its bus service back on Monday - on the condition the antisocial behaviour does not pick up once more.
The service will run in Thurnscoe until 9pm and will be monitored by Stagecoach and South Yorkshire Police during the trial period.
The situation will be further reviewed at the end of May and if no issues of concern have occurred then consideration will be given to fully restore evening bus services up to and including last bus.
However if antisocial behaviour and vandalism concerns continue, Stagecoach say they will need to reconsider what services it can provide in the area in consultation with SYMCA, South Yorkshire Police and local authorities.
Matt Kitchin, managing director of Stagecoach, said: “We understand how important it is to the local community that bus services are maintained into the evening and we are keen to return to doing so.
“We’ve been very grateful to South Yorkshire Police for their support and are asking for support from the local community to help return a safe and reliable evening service to the area.
“Our front line team at Stagecoach works very hard to serve the local communities and are aware of how important a safe and reliable bus service is to customers.
“Unfortunately, on rare occasions, pockets of antisocial behaviour mean that action is needed to ensure the safety of both colleagues and customers.
“The decision to alter services is taken as a last resort but the safety of customers and staff must come first.”
