Call to reinstated bus service five years after hijackings

Bus services, which had been withdrawn from parts of Craigavon due to hijacking and attacks, should be reinstated, say Sinn Fein.

Sinn Féin Councillor Fergal Lennon called on Translink to reinstate evening bus services to Ardowen, Drumbeg and Meadowbrook.

The services were withdrawn five years ago after a number of attacks in the area.

Cllr Lennon said: “The attacks on Translink buses and staff are to be deplored those responsible for such attacks are enemies of their own community.

“However five years on from the evening buses services being withdrawn an entire community is being punished for the actions of a few.

“The elderly and the young in particular are left isolated with no public transport available to them in the evennings.

“Local community organisations in these areas have been working very hard to encourage young people away from street disorder, there is tremendous work going on in the background on a daily basis. The Community groups in these areas deserve huge credit for the voluntary work they do.

“It is now time for Translink to lift the ban on evening services in this area and ensure they are providing equitable treatment to all sections of the community.

“Many in the Ardowen, Drumbeg and Meadowbrook community believe they are being subjected to unfair discrimination because of the actions of the few. After five years of services being withdrawn it is hard to argue against that view.”