Jobs are under threat after bus company Western Greyhound ceased trading today.

The company carries millions of passengers a year in Cornwall and Devon, with 65 buses and 133 employees from its freehold Summercourt depot.

The company is only operating school routes today.

A Cornwall Council spokesman said: "Cornwall Council is aware of the sudden closure of Western Greyhound bus company and is working hard with the industry in attempting to secure alternative services as quickly as possible.

"We will keep the public up to date through our website www.cornwall.gov.uk/buses,  and the press and media, but it is unfortunately inevitable that there will be disruption over the next few days.

"One school contract is affected and alternative provision has been put in place."

Staff were informed this morning, with many handed letters from Michael Bishop, an entrepreneur from within the bus and coach industry who stepped in to buy Western Greyhound last December, when they turned up for work.

This read: "It is with sincere and very deep regret that I inform you that with effect from the morning of Friday, 13 March 2015, Westerr Greyhound Ltd is ceasing to trade.

"My genuine pnority is to look after all of our valued staff. You have been such an amazing team and we have genuinely appreciated everything you have done for Western Greyhound Ltd.

"A security company has been appointed by us to protect the company assets because our focus is to pay all outstanding monies to each member of staff as soon as possible.

"Additionally, we are in immediate discussions with other bus operators to try and secure as many Jobs as possible and we will write/e-mail you with details of this. 

"I think it is Important that you understand why this has happened because I believe in openness, honesty and transparency."

He said one challenge that has stood in the company's way, fleet insurance for the company, with the finance company refusing to lend the money to the business and as a result the insurers wanting an upfront payment for the insurance.

Adding: "Although we have been working very hard to stabilise the company, the company is not in a position to pay this upfront payment In the tight timescale set.

"I have tried my very best to save the company and I know you have all put everything into this and I would like to thank you for everything you have done. Please be assured that am aware that this is a very difficult situation and I would like to thank you for everything you have done.

"Please be asured that I am aware this this is a very difficult situation and I sincerly sympathise with each of you."

 

Following the cessation of Western Greyhound services, First Kernow this morning confirmed that it will accept all Western Greyhound tickets and passes on all its services.

Managing Director of First Kernow, Alex Carter, said: "We don't want to see bus users left out of pocket.  We'll be accepting all Western Greyhound tickets on our bus services over the next few weeks.  In the meantime, we are working with our Cornwall Council partners to provide replacement services as soon as possible."

First Kernow operate the following services which run on the same routes or routes close to Western Greyhound services:

Newquay and Truro via Indian Queens and Trispen (90/91/92)

Newquay and Truro via Perranporth (87)

Newquay and St Austell (21)

Fowey, Par and St Austell (24)

Mevagissey and St Austell (24)

Bodmin and St Austell (27)

Truro and St Austell (27)