A Bridge Too Far

The region’s largest bus operator, Travel West Midlands, has today expressed their deep frustration with anti-social behaviour problems at a prominent Black Country bridge. The busy bus corridor operating through Bromley Lane and over Bromley Bridge in Pensnett has become a huge problem with regard to stone throwing. The missiles are thrown mainly from a disused railway line running under the highway.Phil Bateman, Divisional Corporate Affairs Director said, "West Midlands Police have seen 33 recorded incidents of criminal damage in the area between 1 April 2003 and 1 April 2005. 26 of these incidents have involved stones being thrown at our buses resulting in thousands of pounds worth of damage. The most worrying thing for us is that none of these incidents have resulted in any arrests or detections. The Company and our Safer Travel team have been working extremely hard over the past 6 months to address the problems that we are facing in Bromley Lane. We are pleased to be able to working in partnership with Dudley MBC and the owners of the land, the Strategic Rail Authority but I would appeal again to the local policing OCU to take a pro-active stance on this stone-throwing and make the area safer for our staff, customers and the local community in general.Mr Bateman added, "Travel West Midlands, along with other stakeholders are showing a huge commitment to solving this problem as it simply cannot be allowed to continue. We are seeing passengers alighting before the bus reaches the bridge as they are fearing for their safety. This is totally unacceptable and I would urge anyone who knows the identities of these youths to telephone Crimestoppers on 0845 555 111."The cost of replacing broken glass in TWM has now risen to a whopping £430,000 per year. Stone throwing is a major cost to the Company as well as significant damage to staff and customers.Travel West Midlands operate the 231, 232, 264, 265, 266, 274 and 275 bus services along Bromley Lane.

Published 26th April 2005