Stafford bus deport: Services put at risk in closure plan
Stafford bus depot is to close with the loss of several routes, the Express & Star can reveal.
Bus company Arriva has spoken to the Unite union and bus workers about removing some routes for the town and relocating other services to Cannock, leading to the closure of the Stafford base in Dorrington Drive.
Arriva says it is looking at the changes 'following a difficult period which has seen some funding cuts and a drop in passenger numbers' and a consultation period has now begun.
It has not revealed which routes would be lost under the plans.
The Stafford station currently employs 50 people but it is unknown how many of these jobs will be affected when the closure comes to fruition.
Unite says that Arriva will be offering redeployment across the West Midlands and voluntary redundancy packages – meaning there will be no compulsory redundancies.
Matt Jones, a regional officer for the union, said: "We are disappointed at the Arriva proposals to close the Stafford station and relocate the bus routes to the Cannock depot. Unite will be responding to the company's consultation document which closes on September 3.
"Our first priority is to ensure that there are no compulsory redundancies amongst the 50-strong workforce. The company is offering redeployment across the West Midlands and voluntary redundancy packages. We will be working closely with local management to minimise any job losses."
Speaking on the proposals, Rob Cheveaux, the area managing director for Arriva, said: "Arriva is currently looking to undertake a restructure of our business across the West Midlands as we seek to maximise the efficiency of our vast network.
"As part of this, we have a proposal in place for our operations at our Stafford facilities which we are actively consulting with the union about.
"As an outstation of our Cannock depot, Stafford currently operates 17 vehicles across nine routes, employing a maximum of 50 personnel.
"Having carefully assessed the commercial viability of these services following a difficult period which has seen some funding cuts and a drop in passenger numbers, the proposal being considered is to withdraw from some of the less utilised routes, and relocate the operation of others to our facilities in Cannock."
Mark Deaville, cabinet member for transport and highways at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"We will work with both Arriva and other bus operators to explore if there are any opportunities for other operators to expand their networks."
