RURAL bus services in Stourbridge, Kinver and Hagley that faced the prospect of being axed are set to be saved.

Worcestershire and Shropshire County Council have put services currently operated by Kidderminster-based Whittles Coach and Bus out for tender and new operators are expected to be announced in due course.

Whittles confirmed all its local bus registrations, including the 192 through Hagley, the 125 Stourbridge to Bridgnorth bus and the 580 Kidderminster to Kinver service, have been cancelled with effect from January 5.

But these services have been put out to tender by both Worcestershire and Shropshire County Councils and contracts are expected to be awarded soon.

This week, the company agreed to sell its coaching operation to Henley-in-Arden firm Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, safeguarding 16 jobs.

But a number of other employees in other parts of the company still face the prospect of redundancy.

In October, The News revealed Whittles was being put up for sale by parent company EYMS or facing the prospect of closure.

Bosses blamed years of operating losses for the decision.

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.”