100-year-old Lancashire bus company ceases trading

LEYLAND bus company John Fishwick and Sons has ceased trading after more than a century of service.

The company, which operated buses across Preston, South Ribble and Leyland announced it would be closing as of Saturday 24th October. Its 111 route from Preston to Leyland has been passed to Stagecoach.

In a statement the company said: “With effect from midnight Saturday 24th October 2015 John Fishwick & Sons will cease to operate.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our passengers for their custom and support over the years, it is much appreciated.

“Anyone who has paid deposits or payments for holidays will be contacted shortly. Please be assured your payment is protected by means of an Insurance Bond.”

South Ribble Borough Council said it had been in touch with Fishwick’s to offer its assistance, and is talking to other organisations like Jobcentre Plus and Lancashire County Council about a co-ordinated offer of help to those affected.

Councillor Phil Smith, South Ribble Borough Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration and leisure, said: “Most of the talk recently has been about job creation and investment in South Ribble, so I was very sad to hear about the closure of such a local institution over the weekend. It will no doubt have come as a blow to the employees and their families, as well as the passengers who have used the green buses for so many years.

 

“It’s still early days, and there are discussions which have yet to take place, but we have already been in touch with Fishwick’s to let them know that we will help in whatever way we can.”