STAGECOACH are changing bus routes between Ayr, Dalmellington and Patna due to safety concerns.

After fears for both passengers and drivers, the company have had to “regrettably” discontinue the operating number 52 route in Patna in the evening, due to “persistent” vandalism on buses.

It currently runs via Main Street, Blaney Avenue, Whitehill Avenue, Carnshalloch Avenue and Dalharco Avenue. Stagecoach made the announcement through Twitter, explaining that the last evening services to operate through these roads will be the 5:40pm departing from Ayr and the 5:40pm departing from Dalmellington.

A spokeswoman for Stagecoach, said: “As a result of persistent vandalism to our buses operating on the 52 route in Patna, we have taken the difficult decision that from Tuesday, November 28 we will not be serving Main Street, Blaney Avenue, Whitehill Avenue, Carnshalloch Avenue and Dalharco Avenue.

“We do understand this will cause inconvenience to our customers in Patna however the safety of our customers and drivers is our priority and we have had to take these measures in the interest of both public and staff safety to try and prevent further incidents of vandalism being carried out against our vehicles.

"We are working with the police to address this issue and would urge witnesses to contact them.”