RESIDENTS have been urged to shop yobs whose behaviour has led to the withdrawal of a bus service from a Christchurch estate.

At a meeting between residents, community leaders and three representatives from Yellow Buses, people are being urged to pass information to the police over the incidents.

Yellow Buses pulled their 1a service to the Somerford estate last month, over fears 'lives are at risk'.

The decision affects daytime and evening services.

It came after several incidents where missiles were launched at buses, with the latest one smashing the window of a single decker bus.

While no-one was hurt, Yellow Buses said it was “only a question of time” before someone was seriously injured.

Following the decision, a meeting took place at Somerford ARC on Wednesday evening organised by the Somerford Community Partnership.

Chris Hopkins, chairman of the SCP said: "It was very positive.

"The meeting was about anti-social behaviour and the buses. There were around 30 residents present, along with the police, councillors and staff from Sovereign housing association.

"Everyone was very supportive. While people are upset at the loss of the service, ultimately people understand why and know we have to solve the problem.

"Evidence from the residents is the most important thing."

She said the decision was having a "big impact on residents, especially the elderly."

"We've heard from people who are having to change their lives to compensate for the loss of the bus service. It really is a lifeline for many people", she added.

County councillor for the area, David Jones said: "We would appeal to residents who may know who these people are to report them.

"The community is suffering as a result of this action. Please contact the police or councillors with any information."

Jenni Wilkinson, head of marketing and customer excellence at Yellow Buses, attended the meeting along with Andrew Smith, managing director and Mike Conroy, operations manager.

She said: "It was a positive meeting and we're encouraged that residents understand our reasons for putting the 1a on permanent diversion.

"Since re-routing the service we have been involved in detailed talks with both the local authority and police.

"A number of matters still have to be resolved to our satisfaction but we told the meeting that, as soon as we're happy that the safety of our staff and passengers can be assured, then we will return the 1a service to normal at the earliest possible opportunity."