Arriva confirm closure of Skelmersdale site

Jun 2 2011 by Michael Byrne, Skelmersdale Advertiser

MORE than 120 jobs are in jeopardy in Skelmersdale after bus company Arriva confirmed it was closing the Stamford Road site.

The Advertiser revealed last month that the company was considering closing the base. Bosses blamed the loss of some work and said they had reviewed overheads.

A company spokesman said: “Following detailed consultation with representatives from the Union Unite, the proposal to close the depot has now been confirmed.

“We will, of course, continue our consultation with affected employees and the union on the implications of the closure until July 23. The company does not expect any significant changes to services or timetables in the Skelmersdale area. And discussions continue regarding staff redeployment.”

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: “Arriva’s decision is extremely disappointing. ŠI met with both the management and the trade unions to resolve this issue. ŠMy preference was to keep the Skelmersdale depot open although my priority was always to ensure that people kept their jobs and vital bus services for West Lancashire are retained. ŠI will continue to keep a close eye on the provision of services and fight against any attempts at reducing services.

Cllr Ian Grant, West Lancashire Council leader, said: “It is disappointing to read of the decision by Arriva but not surprising. In these difficult economic conditions the loss of any employment opportunity is regretted and is a real headache for the hard working work force.”