Heavy hearts as Rover ceases trading

Rover European Travel has announced it is to cease trading.

The COVID-19 crisis was named as the reason behind the closure, resulting in a complete loss of revenue. The Nailsworth, Gloucestershire-based company was managed by Carole and David Hand.

A statement on Rover’s Facebook page said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have made the very difficult decision to close the doors and cease trading.

“The pandemic has had a devastating effect across all areas of our business with a complete loss of revenue for our private hire, day tours and holidays in what is usually our busiest time of year.
“We have been operating for over 70 years now and have proudly taken hundreds of school groups, private groups, holiday passengers and more across the county, the country and the continent – but not, we are sorry to say, this year due to the pandemic.

“There have been so many memories made and good times shared and David and Carole would like to thank their wonderful team for their years of service and loyalty and for helping to create the ‘Rover Family’. To our passengers we would like to say the biggest thank you of all for choosing to travel with Rover. We are forever grateful that you have supported us for so many years and we will miss you all dearly. It’s been quite overwhelming in the last few days to receive so many of the really kind wishes that you have sent to us and we thank you all once again.”

The company had a licence for 12 vehicles.