THE owner of a small bus firm, based near York, has denounced the "mindless stupidity" of vandals who have forced half his fleet off the road.

Robert Bileckyj, who owns two-bus operation Busforce, based at Acaster Malbis, was counting the cost today after vandals attacked one of his vehicles, which was parked at Holgate Park, off Poppleton Road, in York, and smashed five windows.

The damage, which Mr Bileckyj discovered at 7am today, will cost about £500 to repair and, with the vehicle off the road until Saturday, will also cost him vital business.

The bus had been due to take pupils from York and Appleton Roebuck to Tadcaster Grammar School, but the county council had to be called in to cover the route for the rest of the week.

Away from its daily school runs, the vehicle also operates as the Number 65 service between South Bank, the University of York, the city centre and Badger Hill. Now passengers will have to use alternative services.

Mr Bileckyj said: "This is just mindless stupidity. It is not just an inconvenience, it is costing me for the repairs and I'm losing business as well. It also causes problems for people who use the service.

"It might have just seemed like a prank to whoever did it, but it is criminal damage and I would like to know who has done it."

The incident has been reported to the police. Anyone who saw anything or who has any information should call police in York on 01904 631321.

Updated: 16:41 Thursday, December 06, 2001