AN urgent plea has been issued to people living in Larkfield to turn in the mindless vandals who could leave their estate cut off from night-time public transport.

After-dark bus services are under threat after two serious incidents saw McGill’s vehicles come under attack.

Windows on three of the company’s buses were smashed in Cumberland Road, causing £3,000 worth of damage, and then another vehicle was stoned in the area.

McGill’s bosses have threatened to withdraw evening services if trouble persists, branding Larkfield ‘high risk’.

Now ward councillor and former provost Ciano Rebecchi wants residents to play their part, prevent any more damage and help protect services.

Councillor Rebecchi says they must be vigilant and report anything untoward to prevent the vast law-abiding majority of people being affected by a small minority of idiots.

Mr Rebecchi said: “McGill’s will get rid of this service if anything like this happens again.

“This could stop people in the Larkfield area getting to and from work.

“It’s absolutely crazy.

“You would be depriving people from getting out at night if the service is taken away. We want to make sure people can travel in Inverclyde.

“All the agencies have to work together.” The Liberal Democrat politician says he is arranging for police and community wardens to visit local schools to speak to youngsters about the impact of vandalism.

He was also a key figure behind organising a recent meeting with McGill’s bosses and authorities to reassure the bus company about safety and request increase patrols in the area.

It led to the firm withdrawing a planned 20p surcharge on Larkfield services to help recoup repair costs in the wake of he vandal attacks.

But Mr Rebecchi has rebuked Gourock councillor Chris McEleny — who was also involved in the recent meeting — for getting involved in a matter outwith his own ward, and failing to include his own SNP party colleagues who actually represent Larkfield.

Councillor Rebecchi said: “There’s a procedure and he should have notified his own party member for the ward.

“I was the one who was on the phone first to McGill’s, the police and community wardens to come out that day for the meeting.

“We all work together out there — all councillors and the community council.”