North Somerset firm plans to end operations in an orderly manner in late April
Weston-super-Mare-based Crosville Motor Services (CMS) is to close its doors in an organised manner, when it operates its final local bus on Saturday, April 21.
The operator, which runs a 30-strong fleet, said North Somerset Council has been given two months’ statutory notice of the decision. It operates local services 100 and 106 in Weston-super-Mare and shopper services to Asda in Taunton and Tesco in Burnham-on-Sea.
Managing Director, John Wye, said in a statement: “We have taken the decision with a great deal of regret and it is simply because the market is too challenging with passenger numbers falling and competition fierce. The council will no doubt seek replacement suppliers.
“There is a lot of love and support for the company locally and we are grateful for that and it is with huge regret that we are taking this decision. We are proud to have been a significant employer in the town for many years and this decision will impact on our staff.
“We have attempted to adapt and change and we have stripped loss-making areas of the business to try to keep going but we now feel there is no other option but to close this side of the business in an organised way.”
CMS is owned by JJP Holdings South West and talks are in progress with the 10 full-time staff, 11 part-time staff and eight casual workers affected by the decision.
CMS plans to hold a ‘vintage day’ on its final day operating, with its fleet of vintage buses and coaches used on routes as a special event.
John added: “We want our last day to be something special for the town, recognising the end of our business activities here. We will be donating all revenue taken on the last day to a local charity and we are looking for suggestions for a suitable charity.”
CBW understands the vintage vehicles are to remain part of JJP Holdings South West.
