Metrolink staff say they are scared to work on the Rochdale line after a spate of vandalism and attacks on trams.

An employee told the M.E.N drivers ‘move heaven and earth’ not to work on the route.

It comes after 10 separate incidents of missiles being thrown at trams on the line were reported since Monday.

READ: Just some of the incidents were reported by the M.E.N. this week

Bosses say security measures have now been stepped up due to concerns for the safety of staff and passengers.

The employee, who asked to remain nameless, said: “It’s very concerning for passengers and the drivers understand that, but drivers are at extreme risk too.

'Lawless'

“There are drivers moving heaven and earth not to drive that line.

“This has been going on for months, there are trams getting smashed every night and they’ve got no protection whatsoever.

“There is all sorts of anti-social behaviour - it’s lawless.”

In November last year vandals caused hundreds of pounds of damage after smashing ticket machines at the Newbold and Milnrow stops.

In March yobs caused delays during the morning rush-hour after hurling an object at a tram near the Shaw and Crompton stop and cracking the windscreen.

There are also claims that staff have been threatened with knives and youths have used lighters to burn their names into seats.

Zero-tolerance

Union bosses say they have been in talks with Metrolink management to improve safety on the service.

Unite regional officer John Boughton said: “Our members have put in a grievance to the Metrolink management who have promised to have more customer service staff on the platforms and also involve the rapid response team that is funded by all the operators and Transport for Greater Manchester.

“However, rumours that they are on the verge of walking out are untrue.”

Travel bosses have claimed they have a zero-tolerance approach.

Peter Cushing, Transport for Greater Manchester’s Metrolink director, said: “Traditionally there tends to be an increase in youth-related anti-social behaviour during school summer holidays, as shown with a recent spate of incidents on one line, and this is something the Travelsafe Unit will feature into their plans for this period, where they will be carrying increased patrols.”