BUSES are once again running through Little Hulton this weekend after the no-go zone was lifted.

But some long term diversions are now in place to avoid trouble-spots and transport bosses have warned: "Any more incidents and we will call the buses off again."

The ultimatum comes as bus company First ended its protest against young vandals who repeatedly throw stones at its vehicles.

It has fully reinstated the number 12, 37 and 68 routes.

The number 31 and 36 services, however, will only run their usual route until 6pm when restrictions will apply.

The 31 route will avoid Eastham Way while the 36 will not travel down Madamswood Road and Kenyon Way because of fear of future attacks.

According to bosses, that situation will continue well into the future.

A spokesman said: "We have to protect our drivers and passengers from these yobs. The situation in Little Hulton can be crazy.

"And when we heard fire engines were being targeted as well, it made us convinced we were right to withdraw our services last week."

A fire engine from Farnworth was stoned by yobs on Aspinall Street on Wednesday evening, smashing its windscreen.

Firefighters are now doubling up in the area in a bid to head off repeat attacks.

Police will be closely monitoring the bus routes for the foreseeable future to catch any troublemakers in a major crackdown in vandal-plagued Little Hulton.

It is a move welcomed by Cllr Alice Smythe. She said: "I don't know why these kids are causing trouble.

"They can't use the excuse that there's nothing to do because there's more to do in Little Hulton now than there has ever been.

"Everyone here understands why First Bus pulled their services and we want to see them fully reinstated without any problems so we have to tackle the yobs."

During the setting up of the "no-go zone" residents were effectively forced to stay indoors at night for a week.

A police spokesman said: "We will be monitoring the area over the coming weeks."