Gangs of kids have caused 'terror' on a Stockport estate, a resident said, with buses having to be diverted this weekend after reports of objects being thrown at vehicles.

People in Brinnington said groups were seen 'throwing' things at the number 325 bus as services went through the estate.

The bus connects Stockport town centre and Brinnington, through a sprawling housing estate where there are high-rise apartment blocks.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) confirmed the 325 was diverted over the weekend due to the incidents.

Nick Fairclough, TfGM's interim deputy director of bus, said: "This was reckless behaviour that put our drivers and passengers at risk and meant we had to divert service 325 on Saturday evening.

"Keeping people safe is central to everything we do, and I would like to assure people in Brinnington that we will continue to work closely with the police and operators through the TravelSafe Partnership to prevent and deter crime and antisocial behaviour on the Bee Network."

Christine Carrigan, a Councillor in Brinnington, said: "It's a few thoughtless kids who have zero consideration for the impact their actions have on others. I have spoken to the police this weekend about this."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the incidents were not reported to it at the time.

People living on the estate said they had to book taxis to go out over the weekend without buses.

David Deakin, a resident in one the tower blocks on the estate, said he was planning to take the bus to go out but walked instead.

He added: "I was gonna get the bus on Friday evening, but there were no buses. I went on the website and they were all cancelled from about 5.30 until about 9.30, it said 'due to anti-social behaviour' they were no longer going round the estate.

"People are wanting to get home from work at those times and things like that, it spoils it for everyone.

"The previous night I got the bus and I got on and he went further round and there must have been a gang of about 10 or 12 teenagers, and he [the driver] didn't stop, he just went straight past, and I don't blame him, their hands are sort of tied."

Chris Hoyles, 40, lives in Brinnington and said anti-social behaviour is not unusual in the area.

He added: "It's a massive council estate and it's got a reputation, so it is what it is. They [the kids] are not doing it for any political reasons or anything, there's just nothing [for them] to do. I've been here six years and you do notice things like that."

Another resident on the estate named Annie said: "You can get kids throwing stuff at the buses, living around here can feel unsafe.

"They can cause terror when they get together in gangs, it's gone really bad. You get fed up with it all."

On Northumberland Road, a resident who did not want to give their name added: "It was caused by kids throwing stones at the bus.

"We've got a lot of people who are immobile around here and they've had to take taxis. It's just kids."

Despite the issues, the resident said it does represent the area as a whole.

She added: "It is a good place to live, I've been here 25 years."

A GMP spokesperson said: "Anti-social behaviour is a blight on the lives of hard-working people who simply want to feel safe in their own community – and is something we will never tolerate.

"Teams across the entire district regularly take action to tackle anti-social behaviour and all manner of crimes – which includes our neighbourhood crime team, who have contributed to a reduction in multiple crime-types through their dedication and hard work.

"In November, we conducted a three week intensification period in Brinnington, which resulted in 21 arrests, 45 stop-searches, the seizure of 12 vehicles, and thousands of pounds worth of drugs seized. This action also helped contribute to our intelligence picture and means we have the most up-to-date knowledge on those causing issues within the community.

"This means we can build cases against individuals, monitor known hotspots, and take direct action when required.

"Additionally, work closely with our partners in the GMCA and across The Bee Network, regularly taking part in proactive operations and sharing the best practice with each-other to ensure the safety of members of the public.

"This includes the promotion of Live Chat – which can be easily accessed to report crimes via our website. I would urge anyone with any issues to contact us, directly or anonymously."

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