Vandal targets bus for elderly
A VANDAL almost halted the running of a vital mini-bus service for elderly people. The mini-bus belonging to Royston Community Transport was the target of a vandalism attack on Saturday night, when a rock was thrown through a window. But volunteers patche
A VANDAL almost halted the running of a vital mini-bus service for elderly people.
The mini-bus belonging to Royston Community Transport was the target of a vandalism attack on Saturday night, when a rock was thrown through a window.
But volunteers patched up a broken window on the side of the vehicle with a polythene bag so that the service could continue.
The repair to the damage is estimated at £250.
Transport scheme manager David Wherrell said: "If it had been in the middle of winter the situation could have been a lot worse, because it would have been cold and drafty for the elderly."
The charity believes the damage was caused by a youngster returning from Therfield Heath.
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At the time the mini-bus was parked in a bay at Royston Fire Station.
A youngster was seen loitoring around the area by a nearby resident.
"He probably did it out of spite," said Mr Wherrell.
"He obviously didn't care what he was doing. He did it for a laugh and wasn't interested in what the bus was used for."
Win Wilson, of Age Concern, said: "It's a shame that this has happened because the mini-bus is a form of transport that enables the elderly to have a day out, and they only get one day out a week. So it spoils it for them."
The charity hopes it will be able to claim the money back for the repair work through insurance, otherwise the cost will have to come from the charity's day-to-day running costs.
Mr Wherrell said: "We thought the vehicle was parked in a safe area so we may have to review security, but that will cost us more.
"It already costs more than £1,000-a-year to insure the vehicle.
