South Norfolk coach operator, Chenery Travel of Long Stratton near Norwich has gone into administration. The company, which has operated locally for over 60 years, unexpectedly ceased trading on Friday 3 June leaving Norfolk County Council to rearrange school routes operated by the company.

Eight school routes have been affected and a council spokesperson told Bus and Coach Buyer that all children had been picked up and transported safely to their respective schools on the first day back after the half term break. The routes are being serviced by a number of local operators.

Ambassador Travel of Great Yarmouth, has taken over the former operator’s National Express work with immediate effect and Mike Pleasants, Commercial Manager for the company, told B&CB they were pleased to be able to keep in employment a number of the Chenery drivers

…whilst local companies save Silcox services

Following on from the story in B&CB 3 June, Issue 1381, Edwards Coaches of Pontypridd have stepped in to provide many of the services formerly run by Pembrokeshire based Silcox Coach Company. The latter was placed into administration on 6th June, despite attempts to find a buyer. According to Pembrokeshire County Council’s website, all home to school transport, with the exception of one route being picked up by First Cymru, is being operated by Edwards.

Edwards Coaches is based almost 100 miles away although the Edwards family are originally from Pembrokeshire. It is the largest family owned coach company in Wales employing over 500 staff and operating 260 vehicles. Managing Director of the company, Mike Edwards has confirmed that these permanent contracts will involve approximately 30 vehicles. They are also working with Bonded Coach Holidays with regards to Silcox’s tours and have taken over a number of Silcox’s stage service contracts.

Taf Valley Coaches, based near Whitland have also taken on a number of stage service contracts whilst First has taken on the Tenby to Haverfordwest route. Work to cover other services was still in progress at the time of going to press. Approximately 50 of the 92 staff members who have lost their jobs have been re-employed by Edwards Coaches.

Director and insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field, the appointed administrators, Kelly Burton, said, ‘Silcox Coaches was a fourth generation bus and coach operator and over the years provided various forms of transport services latterly focussing on local authority community bus routes, school services, coach hire and coaching holidays.’

‘The company had an excellent reputation within the industry, the local community and its clients. Initially there were a number of parties interested in buying the business and assets and we had hoped to save all the jobs of the loyal workforce. Sadly, despite our best efforts none of these came to fruition. On the positive side, Edwards Coaches of Pontypridd have re-employed approximately 50 of those staff. ‘