Epping Forest
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EPPING FOREST: Vandals target 'community lifeline' bus again
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| Project manager Angela Cobham pictured with the Epping Forest Community Transport bus |
VANDALS have wrecked a community bus, leaving five vulnerable residents stranded and a charity with a hefty repair bill.
Voluntary Action Epping Forest has run a community bus service since 2001, transporting elderly and disabled passengers around the district.
This is in the face of mounting vandalism attacks stretching back two years which have led Voluntary Action Epping Forest, which runs the service, to move the buses from a location in Epping to Loughton in a bid to stop the thugs.
But those hopes have been dashed as hooligans have struck again, this time throwing a brick through the back window.
The damaged was spotted by driver Neil Knox as he went to start his morning rounds.
Mr Knox, an unpaid volunteer said he was "very angry" as he would have to let his passengers down.
The window has been replaced, at a cost of £450.
A Voluntary Action Epping Forest spokesman said there was also another price to pay for the damage.
She said: "The result of this mindless vandalism is that five Loughton residents who rely on our services were unable to attend their day club. For some this is the only time they get to go out during the week and to meet their friends - the only time they can lead a normal life.
The cost of replacing the window is a lot for a charity to pay, and we had to let passengers down, which isn't nice."
In the past, the bus has had its bonnet ripped off and number plates stolen. But Voluntary Action Epping Forest has offered the vandals an olive branch.
A spokesman said: "We wish to say to whoever is responsible why not come and see us at Epping Forest Community Transport and see the good work we do.
"Maybe they have time on their hands to offer some help to us and members of their community."
4:34pm Thursday 1st May 2008
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