THE coaching division of a crisis hit bus company has been saved after bosses agreed to sell it to a rival operator.

Kidderminster-based Whittle Coach and Bus reached an agreement with Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel that will see the Henley-in Arden firm acquire the coaching operation.

The Johnsons’ deal means 16 jobs, including coach drivers, maintenance and office staff who worked in the coach division have been saved.

Johnsons will continue to operate the company from the Kidderminster site at Foley Park and it is anticipated that the deal will be completed by January 10 next year.

But Whittles’ parent company EYMS also confirmed that some employees in other parts of the firm still faced the prospect of redundancy.

In October, The Shuttle revealed that Whittles, which was founded in 1926, had been put up for sale with bosses blaming years of operating losses for the decision.

Two bus routes, 2A and 2C, were withdrawn on Monday (December 15), with Worcestershire County Council and Diamond Bus Company stepping in to provide a service for passengers in some parts of Wyre Forest.

Whittles’ remaining local bus registrations have also been cancelled with effect from January 5.

Most of Whittles’ other bus services, which were already operated wholly or mainly under contract to both Worcestershire and Shropshire County Councils, have been put out for tender by the authorities. Contracts are set to be awarded in due course.

It is understood that the Company’s National Express operations will continue and will be transferred to a subsidiary company of National Express itself on 11 January with staff given the opportunity to transfer.

David Shipp, General Manager of Whittles, said: “Whilst I am very disappointed that our trading position has left Whittles in a situation where we are unable to continue operating in the area I am pleased that both Worcestershire and Shropshire Councils, both of whom have been very supportive, are able to ensure that all local bus links are maintained, albeit at reduced frequencies on certain routes, enabling members of the public to have the confidence that their bus services will remain.

“I am extremely pleased that a sale to Johnsons has been achieved within the last few days thus securing employment for as many of our staff as possible with a Company which continues to provide a strong ‘family’ ethos which both Whittles and EYMS share.

“Regrettably there will be some members of staff who work in other parts of the business will be made redundant and they have been notified of redundancy dates varying over the next few weeks.”

“I would like to thank my colleagues here for the commitment they have shown since the announcement was made which has helped ensure that this difficult period has been made as easy for everyone as it possibly could have been. I would also like to thank our valued customers for their support and loyalty during this period.”