It's a cold Monday evening in Brinnington and the bus stops are empty.

People coming home from work to the sprawling housing estate in the area have been left in limbo because the number 325 buses have been diverted away for another night.

This week gangs of kids have been targeting vehicles on the roads, with reports of missiles being thrown. One resident in the area spoke of the feeling of 'terror' at the sight of buses being attacked by gangs.

After disruption last weekend when the number 325 buses were told to avoid the estate, Stagecoach diverted the services again on Monday and Tuesday evenings after further incidents of anti-social behaviour.

People in the area say the issue is causing major problems for people and forcing them to splash out on taxis to get around.

During a walk down the estate on Wednesday night, the buses were back up and running, but residents seemed worried about what was happening.

One woman stopped to speak but didn't want to give her name.

"It's been going on for about 12 months. They're throwing things at the buses, it's the kids doing it," she said.

"They get together in gangs and it just spoils it for everyone, it is affecting us, it's people trying to get home from work and things like that."

Posts have spread on Facebook groups of locals in Brinnington sharing updates on which days buses are or aren't running around the estate.

It's caused a growing sense of frustration in the area, including fears that it could paint Brinnington in a bad light when most people are just going about their lives.

The unnamed resident added: "There was a woman with three kids who had to walk home all through the estate this week because the bus wouldn't come down here. The police do need to be doing something about it."

Greater Manchester Police said it has launched an investigation into anti-social issues on the estate.

It urged the community to get in touch if they any information about who might be behind the incidents.

A spokesperson said: "Officers from our Stockport Neighbourhood teams are currently investigating reports of anti-social behaviour on a bus service in the Brinnington area of Stockport.

"Our teams have identified people who may be involved and are working with the Local Authority and schools to address these incidents.

"Anyone with information in relation to anti-social behaviour, or any crime is encouraged to contact us via 101 or our LiveChat function on our website. Reports can also be made through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Demi Leigh, 19, and Chloe Vickers, 17, are walking home on Wednesday evening and stop to chat about the issues.

They explain that Brinnington is a nice area to live in, and the majority of people are friendly and get on with each other.

Demi Leigh said: "This isn't a dangerous area, it's just groups of kids causing the issues. I don't think it will stop with the police trying to do anything, the kids will grow out of it and grow up. They are nice kids generally, they just don't think."

But the pair added that it can feel unsafe when there are reports of gangs going around launching objects at vehicles in the area.

Demi said: "It is chaotic when they're doing it, especially when they're throwing bricks.

"When the buses don't come down here people end up walking on their own at night when it's cold and dark outside, which is not good."

Chloe added: "When the buses stop coming here it does cause problems because there are people who don't have cars. It's quite scary sometimes when they're doing it, but Brinnington isn't a bad place, it's just these kids causing the issues."

Another resident, 36-year-old Adrian Cartridge, 36, said: "I don't really use buses, so it doesn't affect me, but there are things that happen around here sometimes. A few years ago there was a guy driving around shooting people with an air rifle, and he got me.

"It shook me up when it happened, so that sort of stuff does happen sometimes in Brinnington."

Councillor Christine Carrigan represents the area on Stockport council and said work is happening to sort the problems out.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We continue to work with the Police and TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) to deter and remove individuals causing problems."

A Stagecoach Manchester spokesperson said: "The safety of our staff and customers is our absolute priority. We are working closely in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Greater Manchester Police through the TravelSafe Partnership to ensure those responsible for this reckless behaviour are held to account.

"We understand the impact this has on the local community, and we are committed to restoring the full route as soon as it is safe to do so. We encourage anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact the police."

Nick Fairclough, TfGM's interim deputy director of bus, said: "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."

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