FIRST may have their critics but surely no one can blame them for changing the routes of their buses to parts of Henbury.

It is a decision they have been forced into making by the unruly and downright dangerous behaviour of young thugs.

Frankly it is only good fortune that has prevented someone from being hurt or even worse.

For every time these idiots attack a bus they run the risk of causing real harm.

A stone hurled at a bus could easily lead to a broken window.

That in turn could result in flying glass and that could so easily damage someone's sight.

As for directing fireworks at a bus or at people, only someone with a complete disregard for the welfare of others would try something as stupid and irresponsible.

No-one may have been injured but many people will have been frightened and that includes the drivers of the buses.

They must have come to dread driving along Crow Lane at night.

Now many passengers are facing longer walks home because the buses have been diverted.

And all because of a group of reckless, spiteful young people.

But why are they allowed to run riot? Do their parents know where they are and what they are doing?

Parents are responsible for the behaviour of their children. It's no good saying they cannot keep them at home or that they cannot control them. They need to wake-up to their responsibilities.

And the police need to act as well. How have we got to a point where these attacks have forced a bus company to alter its routes without the police stepping in?

If there are routine patrols of Crow Lane they need to be stepped up. And if there are no regular night time patrols they need to be introduced – and quickly.

What is happening in Crow Lane is intimidating and illegal.

And no-one, whether they drive a bus for First or use one to travel to and from Henbury, should be subjected to such attacks.

TONIGHT sees the Festival of Remembrance at the Colston Hall.

It is always a moving occasion and one which marks the start of a period of reflection upon two world wars and other conflicts. The years may slip by but nothing should ever diminish the sacrifice made by so many during those conflicts.

But for them, the freedom which we take for granted and so often abuse would have been lost forever.

It is right that we remember all of those, both past and present, who have fought in our name.