BUS drivers are being forced to steer clear of parts of a troubled housing estate.

Blackburn Transport vehicles are the latest targets of youths on Fishmoor estate - just weeks after firefighters warned the thugs could kill someone after their tenders came under fire.

A number of incidents involving buses have been reported over the past two weeks and drivers are now having to taking emergency diversions at certain times to avoid troublespots including Cockermouth Close and the junction of Cleveleys Road and Lytham Road.

"The situation has been getting serious," said one bus employee who did not wish to be named.

"We have had windows broken on several buses and four youths tried to rob one female driver and she has had to take time off.

"We've now been told to take a diversion away from certain parts of the estate if it looks like there is going to be trouble."

Most of the attacks have taken place in the early evening.

Inspector Stephen Haworth, of Blackburn police, confirmed that a meeting had been held with Blackburn Transport and local council chiefs over the problem and that a high profile operation was now underway on the estate.

"The main emphasis of our campaign is to secure the safety of the people travelling on the buses, the drivers and the vehicles. We want people to feel safe and use the services. "We would want the bus drivers to use their normal route and not to use diversions because that would give the wrong impression to the people causing the trouble.

"We have told Blackburn Transport we will give them whatever assistance they need."

He stressed that it was a small number of troublemakers involved in the incidents.

Jim Hilton, a director of Blackburn Transport, confirmed that the firm had registered alternative routes with transport authorities because of problems on the estate but he stressed that the company was committed to providing a full service there.

"We have to ensure the safety of our passengers and drivers and we are working with the local community, the police and the council to do that.

"We do not feel that the interests of the whole estate should be jeopardised by a minority of people who we do not believe all live there anyway."

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