Threatened Wellingborough school bus route saved as council rides to the rescue

North Northamptonshire Council has stepped in to ensure that a Wellingborough bus service will continue to run after the previous contractor failed to keep the buses running.

Grant Palmer Ltd had been providing the service from Wellingborough to Wollaston and Bozeat but the service was suddenly withdrawn after the firm said it could no longer run it.

Now, in a u-turn on subsidy cuts made by the previous administration in 2018, the W8 service has received a funding package of just over £14,000 from NNC.

Schoolchildren from the south of the county travelling to the town had been left waiting for buses that were late or failed to arrive.

The national shortage of HGV and delivery van drivers has been blamed by Bedfordshire-based Grant Palmer.

Cllr Graham Lawman, the council’s executive member for highways, travel and assets, said: “This is a vital route for many people, including school pupils and connecting our communities, especially the rural ones, is essential for keeping people in touch and to help the economy.

"I’m delighted that we’ve been able to work with another bus company to help find a solution, demonstrating our commitment to bus services in the area.”

The operator of the existing commercial bus service, that runs like most other buses without subsidy, advised the council that the service was no longer viable and would cease operation with effect from Monday, November 15. The well-publicised national driver shortage has also been affecting the W8 over recent weeks.

The council agreed a funding package of just over £14,000 and, having sought tenders, awarded a contract to Stagecoach Midlands that allows the service to continue until at least April 2022, with the option to extend subject to ongoing budget considerations.

The council has been able to work with Stagecoach and agree that the new contract can start one week earlier, meaning that normal service will be able to resume from Monday, November 8.