‘Very sad’ as Travel Wright confirms closure date
‘Happy memories’ as Newark operator cements date for ending operation
Newark-based Travel Wright has confirmed it will close for business on Sunday 3 April.
The announcement follows a message earlier this month, which made public its intention to close, but said a final decision was to be announced later this month. The operator had been looking for a buyer of the business, but a satisfactory offer had not been received. The management team is planning to retire.
In a statement on its Facebook page and website, Travel Wright said: “May we take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for all the lovely messages we have received both on here and from people popping in to see us – it is humbling to know Travel Wright have been so appreciated and well liked over the years.
“We will certainly be taking with us some very happy memories – it has been a pleasure serving the people of Newark and its’ surrounding areas.”
“It’s very sad to see a respected and much-loved local family business shutting up shop in its 96th year”
The message on social media was greeted with an outpouring of sad messages and well-wishes. Former BBC presenter, Ian McGregor, posted: “It’s very sad to see a respected and much-loved local family business shutting up shop in its 96th year, but thank you Travel Wright for your first class service including launching the new Saturday bus on Fernwood four years ago driven by Steve Herrick and on which I was privileged to be a passenger.
“Wishing you all well. You will be missed.”
Travel Wright is to continue operating all of its bus services, contracts, excursions (including one on 6 April), holidays and private hire bookings as normal until its closure. The message on its website and Facebook page was signed by David, Colin and Paula and all the staff at Travel Wright.
The company was established as Wright & Sons in 1926 by Charles Wright. His sons Frank and Leslie joined the business, followed by their Frank’s son, Terry. The company continued to grow and began operating holidays during the late 1960s. During the 1980s Terry was joined by all three of his children, David, Paula and Colin, the current management team. The company moved from its original Lincoln Road site in Newark to new purpose-built premises in August 2005. It has an operator’s licence for 37 vehicles.