A YOUTH has been arrested in connection with a series of attacks on buses in Blackpool's Grange Park which led to the night time services being suspended.

Buses are now travelling through Grange Park estate once again after Blackpool Transport withdrew the night service due to fears for their drivers' safety.

The Number Six bus route runs along Dinmore Avenue on the estate, near Layton, but services after 6pm were halted late last week after gangs of youths allegedly began to ambush and attack the vehicles.

Although the service was started again on Wednesday), Blackpool Transport warned that it will now be monitored very closely and if there is any hint of trouble they will cancel the service without hesitation. A spokesman also called for more support from the police. On December 28, the decision was taken to withdraw the service after drivers reported a spate of attacks during the previous two days. It is believed that on several occasions youths put wheely bins in the path of oncoming buses, causing the drivers to perform an emergency stop. The gangs reportedly then pelted the bus with missiles.

Liz Esnouf, spokeswoman for Blackpool Transport, said the company had halted the service because of safety fears, both for the drivers and for the public. "We were very concerned about safety," she said, "especially in the icy conditions. If the driver lost control of the vehicle it could easily result in a serious accident where somebody is killed.

"But the residents of Grange Park have been so co-operative and we are very grateful for all the reports we have got back from them.

"We have passed information on to the police.

"There have been problems with youths attacking buses before but these incidents became totally unacceptable.

"This increase in violence is a sad indictment of society throughout the town and the rest of the country."

Police say investigations are continuing.