BOSSES from Greenock bus firm McGill’s have introduced a 20p surcharge and threatened to withdraw a local service after vandals targeted three of their vehicles and caused £3,000 worth of damage.

Windows of the buses were smashed while they were in convoy in Cumberland Road heading back to the company’s nearby depot in Larkfield Industrial Estate at around 7.30pm on Saturday.

The McGill’s Earnhill Road HQ is now on red alert and Larkfield has been given a ‘high risk’ status.

Two of the damaged vehicles were from a fleet of 14 brand new buses costing £2.5 million.

Top brass from McGill’s, which is owned by Greenock businessmen and Rangers FC directors Sandy and James Easdale, say they are dismayed and have launched a stinging attack on those responsible.

They have also vowed not to tolerate such acts of vandalism and have introduced a 20p levy on Larkfield fares to cover repair costs and have threatened to withdraw the service at night. A McGill’s spokeswoman said: “McGill’s has now categorised Larkfield as a ‘high risk’ area following the mindless vandalism to three of our buses on Saturday night.

“The behaviour of those involved has jeopardised the evening service for the area; we refuse to put our staff and customers in danger.

“Should these mindless acts continue, we will withdraw the evening service of the 517 and the last bus from Greenock town centre will be 6pm.

“The £3,000 worth of damage to our buses will also impact on fares.

“From Monday 17 November, we will introduce a 20p surcharge on every journey to and from Larkfield.” The company says he damaged buses were quickly repaired at the weekend to minimise any inconvenience for customers.

Detectives from Greenock CID are investigating the vandal attack.

They have appealed for any witnesses or anyone who has information to contact them by calling 101.