‘It’s devastating’ – Hodgsons of Millom to close

Cumbria-based Hodgsons of Millom is to close by the end of December.

The effects of the coronavirus have meant a dramatic decrease in private hire, one of its main sources of income.

Speaking to Bus and Coach Buyer, Daniel Evans from the company said: “We do have some home to school transport, but that’s not what we rely on.

“It’s devastating. It’s been four generations in the family and going for over 60 years.”

A statement with Director, Jeff Hodgson, named as the author, was posted on Facebook. It said: “In light of recent events, I am writing with regret to inform you that Hodgson’s Coaches Ltd has taken the difficult decision to close with effect of 31 December 2020. This has not been an easy decision to make but the Covid pandemic has created an impossible economic environment for us to continue.

“We have been proud to operate for over 60 years providing local transport for local people including private hire, school transport, local trips, national and international holidays, particularly in a time where air travel was not so common.”

The company attempted to sell day trips as the pandemic restrictions were eased earlier in the year, but the current English lockdown has meant some of those will not go ahead. These include a Barrow excursion and a trip to Glasgow.

Passengers for the trips it was able to provide were not in plentiful supply. Daniel Evans said: “We did try excursions, but some of them we had to knock on the head because a couple of days before, customers called and said they wouldn’t go. People scared each other out of going.”

The company has a fleet of seven vehicles, which Daniel reports are being sold.

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