Lochgelly grandmother hounded off Stagecoach service by youths

Retired nurse Helena Davidson was coming back from a Saturday out in Dunfermline when the group began hurling abuse, leaving her 8-year-old granddaughter "traumatised."

The 68-year-old retiree said: “I was out with my daughter and three grandkids. One of them wanted to go into town with friends, and we decided to stick around to make sure she was safe.

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“At around 2pm we decided to get the number 19 bus back home. At the station, around ten young boys pushed everyone out of the way to get on.

“They were vaping and drinking during the journey, whilst loudly using language of a sexual nature.

“I turned around and asked if they minded keeping it down, because people were complaining and there were kids on board.

“They started shouting at us, and you should have heard what was coming out of their mouths.

“My daughter told the bus driver, and they said they couldn’t come out because they could then be attacked.

"I understand that, but who worries about our safety? We were around one stop away from Cowdenbeath police station.

“It got worse from there, and we had to get off to wait on the next bus. I shouldn’t be the one who has to leave to protect the kids and my own safety, when they get to continue their journey.”

The grandmother added that something must be done to deter abusive behaviour.

She said: “Nobody seems to know how to stop it. Nobody’s wanting them to be locked up, or well-behaved children to lose their passes, but there must be some type of restriction to stop these large groups from coming on and causing mayhem.

"I don't hold a grudge against Stagecoach, and I recognise the responsibility they have to their drivers, I just want them, local community groups, MPs and councillors to work together for a solution that protects the safety of passengers.

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“My eight-year-old granddaughter was absolutely traumatised and wouldn’t get on another bus.

“She was physically shaking as she walked up the road, looking behind to see if the boys were coming after her.”

One day later, a social media user reported that a bus window was smashed outside Dears Pharmacy in Lochgelly, leaving her two-year-old son “terrified”.

A spokesperson for Stagecoach said: “We’re aware of the incident over the weekend involving vandalism and reports of abusive behaviour by a group of youths on our services.

“We’re working closely with police and the local community to identify those involved.

“The safety and wellbeing of our customers, staff, and the wider community is our top priority, and we’re committed to ensuring our buses remain a safe and welcoming space for everyone.”

It comes shortly after Fife MSP Alex Rowley suggested youths who cause trouble should have their free bus passes removed.

Councillor Darren Watt said that the move should be considered in parliament, and added: “Ease of access to public transport has proven to be a factor in the anti-social behaviour that is having an impact across the villages and towns, particularly on those most vulnerable.

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“Overall, the premise of young people accessing buses free of charge is a good idea, and can be workable, but there’s a small minority that are abusing it to commit offences, and action should be taken.

“At the end of the day, it’s a privilege not a right. With privileges come responsibilities, and there has to be respect to fellow passengers.”

Last year the Times reported that almost 60,000 young Fifers were benefiting from free bus travel, but some claim that the policy has led to an increase in disorder on local services.

Police Scotland’s inspector Carley Marshall said: “We are acutely aware of the disruptive effect that anti-social behaviour has on any community and officers are working closely with partners to address these issues.