SEVERAL buses have had to be been taken off the streets of Redditch at night because they have been subjected to vandalism.

Pete's Travel bosses have said they will continue running the night time services despite bus windows being smashed while they are travelling round Redditch.

Rival bus operator First withdrew all of its evening services almost 18 months ago because of continued acts of vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

Pete's financial director Anthony Simms said incidents of antisocial behaviour and vandalism had increased over the last couple of months.

He said: "There have been three or four nights when we have had incidents of broken windows which caused the buses to be off the road for a while.

"We are continuing with the services but we are suffering from vandalism. In the long term it could cause us problems with recruitment but for the time being it is not a problem."

A police spokesman said: "We are aware there have been some problems with vandalism on buses. We will continue to work with transport groups and the council to try to solve it."

Meanwhile, the fleet of Pete's Travel buses has moved from Weights Lane in Bordesley to new premises in Church Road in the town centre.

The depot was previously occupied by First.