CONSTANT vandalism could see part of a popular bus route between Bury and Manchester curtailed, say transport chiefs.

Louts have repeatedly targeted the 163 bus, which travels from Bury to the city via Heywood and Middleton.

Operators Diamond Bus NW say the bulk of the problems they have encountered have been on the Langley estate in Middleton, with windows being smashed frequently.

Bus officials say missiles are being thrown at the buses, which risks drivers' and customers' safety on board as they are shattering the windows and also damaging vehicles internally

Knives are also being used to slash seats and passengers are feeling threatened.

And if the difficulties persist, Diamond bosses say they will consider withdrawing parts of the 163 route.

Matt Rawlinson, the firm's deputy managing director, said: "“As a local bus company, like many other businesses, we are struggling to recover from the financial impact of Covid-19.

"But we are positive about growing bus services in Greater Manchester and we have continued with our £3.6m investment in new vehicles for this service.

"This includes branded buses that are rolling out across Route 163, these vehicles cost £200,000 each and are there to deliver a better experience and reliability to our local customers.

"To have to disrupt service to protect firstly, the safety of our staff and customers is not a position we want to be in but unless we can work with the community to put a stop to these dangerous acts of vandalism we will have no choice but to remove the service from serving the Langley area.”

Bus bosses say they have been working with local councillor Phil Burke to remedy the problem and the Greater Manchester safer travel unit.

An appeal has been issued to identify those responsible so the bus service can continue unhindered.