Carlisle has anti-social behaviour problem as youths throw bricks at buses

Local youths have caused chaos, with bricks being thrown at bus windows, with passengers onboard.

Three vehicles of the 61 service were damaged after having objects thrown at them while serving the Harraby area at the weekend.

Stagecoach Cumbria released a statement which said: "Following a series of incidents on Saturday evening, the decision was taken to temporarily withdraw the 61 services to the Harraby area on Sunday evening."

The service resumed yesterday.

Rob Jones, managing director for Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said: “We recognise the 61 service is vital for members of the community and we will continue to serve the area if it is safe for our drivers to do so.

"We will monitor the situation and hope continued support from Cumbria Police will allow us to keep operating without further incident."

One local resident, Mrs Morris, said: "This town is getting terrible. I went up to town through the day two times last week and each day there were around 20 kids hanging around the town centre.

"It’s horrible and the language and behaviour is off putting for the middle of town. What they are doing is totally unacceptable. I’m glad my kids stay in now."

CONCERNS: Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Pam Birks

Mayor of Carlisle, Pamela Birks, told the News and Star: "What we need to do is catch these perpetrators; we can do this with help of the community.

"If there’s anyone who knows who’s responsible for this, please come forward. We need witnesses of the crime who can identify these people to get in touch. We need the police and the community to work together.

"Essentially, we need more police staff as there’s currently a shortage, we’re also dealing with cut backs.

"We know we have a real issue in the town centre, we plan on having more police officers patrol this area so we can really crack down on anti-social behaviour in the town."

Carlisle Chief Inspector, Gill Cherry, said: “We share the community’s concern, frustration and disappointment at the recent increase in anti-social behaviour and are committed to taking robust action.

"We are investigating the incidents in the city centre and Harraby areas and are working closely with local educational establishments and partner agencies to address this behaviour.

"We believe there are a number of separate groups of young people involved and I can reassure our communities that action is being taken on a daily basis to investigate and prevent further incidents.

"Patrolling of identified locations of concern has been increased and we are continuing to deploy officers wearing body cameras to capture the behaviour of those responsible.

"Following reports over the last week, two young people, aged 11 and 13 respectively, were stopped by our officers and taken home to their parents. Both children have received It’s Your Choice warnings from our Child Centred Policing Team for their anti-social behaviour."