A SERIES of bus shelters have been smashed by a group of “hooded youths”, leaving glass scattered across a pavement and road.
Two shelters in Queen Elizabeth Way and one in Mersea Road, in Colchester’s Berechurch ward, were targeted by vandals last week and again this week.
It has left Berechurch councillor Dave Harris “appalled” after feeling gravely concerned for the safety of pedestrians.
“Someone saw a couple of young adults with hoodies on smashing the glass last week,” said Mr Harris.
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“They’ve been back twice since and broke the replacement glass and smashed the bulbs as well.
“I’d like to have a chat with them to see what goes through their minds. I find it hard to believe anyone gets any enjoyment out of seeing something smashed.
“I don’t know what they got out of this, unless they’ve got an axe to grind with someone.”
The veteran councillor now says he will offer a £50 reward to anyone who can provide him with information which leads to the prosecution of those responsible.
He added: “I’m hurt on behalf of the community - I’m really annoyed about it. It’s just not very community spirited to go around smashing things.
“The bus companies have told me they are fed-up with it. They’ve got drivers pulling up to bus stops who are vulnerable on their own.
“Of course there are the passengers getting on and off the bus and walking straight into glass with dogs and children in push chairs.
“We all know glass on the floor is not very good for toddlers and pets, as well as those on mobility scooters and bikes. This needless vandalism needs to stop.”
Residents have since been spotted out and about armed with brooms and bags to collect up the glass in a community-spirited effort to remedy the issue.
Mr Harris added Colchester Council and JCDecaux, which runs advertising boards on the shelters, have been contacted.
Essex County Council, which owns the majority of bus shelters in Colchester, stated it is not aware of any incident, but a report could be made by an inspector.
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