Holmes pulls out of local services

Clay Cross independent G & J Holmes is pulling out of local services later this month, as managing director Nigel Holmes starts winding down for retirement. After 23 years, all Derbyshire County Council service contracts have been surrendered, and only coaching, school contracts and a Tesco contract will remain.

Town services in Matlock and Clowne, as well as services to Crystal Peaks, and 231 Alfreton to Pinxton are being picked up by Stagecoach in Chesterfield. The 48/49 Brampton to Bolsover via Clay Cross will go to Wellglade subsidiary TM Travel, and 140 Alfreton to Sutton will be operated by Littles Travel, Ilkeston. A farewell Holmes service will be operated from Chesterfield on 26 May.

Nine bus drivers are being made redundant this month. Two others, including assistant operations manager Andrew Bagshaw will be redundant at the end of the school term. Five ADL Enviro200 buses are being sold, and the remaining fleet will comprise two Volvo B7R coaches, two midicoaches, an LDV minibus and one Enviro 200 for the Tesco Alfreton contract.

Holmes Coaches was started in 1964 by brothers George and Joe. It has operated from Clay Cross since 1972, and won its first local service contracts in 1995.