Parents in the Cornshell Fields area of Derry are being called on to ensure their children were not involved in attempting to run alongside buses in a “game of dare” on the hill leading to the estate.
The call comes from Sinn Fein Cllr Tony Hassan who said in recent weeks children as young as 12 had been running alongside buses and then “darting” in front of the vehicles in what seems to be a “game of dare.”
Cllr Hassan said as a result of such incidents Translink was considering withdrawing its bus service to the estate.
Cllr Hassan said: “This is far from being a game and the consequences of either a child falling under the wheel of a bus or the driver losing control doesn’t bear thinking about
“On several occasions the children have also attempted to open the doors and it is only a matter of time before someone of killed or injured.
Sinn Fein Cllr Tony Hassan.
“I am appealing to parents to ensure that their children are not involved in these type of incidents because as well as a threat to danger to live Translink have also had to look at withdrawing the service.
“If the service is withdrawn then many people will be isolated within the estate as many cannot afford the constant price of travelling by taxi each day.
“I have spoken to Translink who have declared they will monitor the situation over the next few days and allow time for parents and community representatives to resolve the matter.”
Cllr Hassan concluded: “I am now calling on the entire community to make sure that the bus service is maintained and that the children safety is protected by coming together to eradicate this behaviour.”
