Andrew Bagshaw writes (16 July 2010): This rare Alexander CO43/31F convertible open top Leyland Fleetline NFX 134P is currently being offered for sale by a friend of mine who is asking £2000 for the bus which is a runner but has no tax or test. It was one of eight new to Bournemouth and was last used by the Zion church on the bus fellowship. It is currently stored at New Street in Chesterfield. Part exchange would be considered for a single deck bus with tax and test. Enquiries please via myself. (Messages will be passed to Andrew from the CONTACT page.)

Andrew Bagshaw
Added 17 July 2010

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Matlock to Sheffield express

Today (14 July 2010) was added to the Derbyshire County Council forthcoming bus change section a note that on 5 September 2010 both the 17 (Chesterfield - Matlock) and the 727 (Chesterfield - Sheffield) will be withdrawn and replaced by a new service X17 (Matlock - Chesterfield - Sheffield), including Sunday through journeys. Presumably the new Scania double deckers, due at the beginning of September, will be used on this service. At the time of writing, no timetable is published. See for yourself HERE

Also heard today from a reliable source is that Stagecoach in Chesterfield is to receive 5 or 6 Volvo B9R / Plaxton Elite coaches for National Express work. This is a new design and Chesterfield may be amongst the first to run these coaches.

More on new Volvo's HERE.

Ian Moorcroft comments (16 July 2010): PLAXTON ELITES: Selwyns do sometimes use these coaches on the 440 that passes through Buxton, Bakewell and Matlock, ususally when I'm in a bus going the other way and can't get a photo !!

Tony Wilson writes (18 July 2010): Can I assume that this is the type of coach to which reference has been made on the website. This then is one of the ten that Selwyns now operate, captured in Manchester back in May.

It seems that Stagecoach East Midlands Mansfield depot is to lose its National Express workings.

Oliver Foreman with prompting from PG and Yahoo East Midlands Group added 15 July 2010
David Gambles provided the Volvo coaches link added 16 July 2010
Ian Moorcroft comment added 17 July 2010
Tony Wilson photograph added 18 July 2010

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Lincolnshire Roadcar Kassbohrer bus?

Does anybody recall 25 years ago Lincolnshire Roadcar owning a Kassbohrer bus? Has the newspaper got this wrong?

Take a look HERE.

Oliver Foreman with prompting from Yahoo East Midlands Group
Added 15 July 2010

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241 changes

As predicted further down this page, Trentbarton are considering changes to their 241 service. Earlier today (12 July 2010), Mark Hayes copied to our website forum an email he had received from Trentbarton. Here is the same email passed on by Neville Whitmore:

A new timetable proposal for 241

We have been looking at service 241 to see how we can make it even better for our customers. We have come up with a proposal but first of all we'd like to hear your views on this plan.

The new timetable will offer;
. A brand new direct link to Chesterfield from Sutton by extending the existing route from Clay Cross.
. A combined half-hourly service with 141 from Stanton Hill & Healdswood to Sutton & back.

However so that we can offer this new link to Chesterfield other changes to the timetable will be necessary;
. The route will start and finish at Sutton, not Mansfield.
. Customers wanting to travel to Mansfield from Stanton Hill, Carsic Estate & Healdswood can continue to catch 141 direct.
. Customers wanting to travel to Mansfield from Tibshelf or Pilsley can change onto any trent barton bus at Sutton to continue their journey - through tickets will be available at no extra cost.

We are also thinking of giving 241 a new name and exterior colour scheme and we'd really like to hear any ideas from our customers.

For proposed new timetable CLICK HERE.

Comments may be emailed to 241@trentbarton.co.uk

Oliver Foreman
Added 13 July 2010

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More about Red Arrow

Richard Lomas writes (4 July 2010): You might me interested in our test of the Red Arrow WiFi this afternoon. See my blog HERE

PS. Keep an eye on TM's 33 later in July. It might be advertised as a Red Arrow feeder. (Integrated Transport!)

Richard Lomas
Added 5 July 2010

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Sutton to Chesterfield link re-established?

Oliver Foreman writes (1 July 2010): I would like to emphasise that what I write below has no official confirmation whatsoever. It is complete rumour at this stage . . . but to me it makes sense.

I have now heard from more than one unofficial source that Trentbarton 241 (curently Mansfield-Sutton-Tibshelf-Clay Cross) is to be revised to run to Chesterfield, possibly starting at Sutton instead of Mansfield. Whether or not it will still serve Clay Cross remains to be seen.

Why does it make sense to me? Because I think many people miss the direct link between Sutton and Chesterfield, both excellent shopping centres. The link was severed a few years back when Trent stopped doing the 95 and several other services in the Chesterfield area. They were all taken over by Stagecoach who revised the routes and in so doing withdrew the 95 through service. The 241 is a very marginal route and, sorry to upset the residents of Clay Cross, it makes little sense it terminating there when there is no through service to Chesterfield from many of the places the route serves (Sutton, Carsic, Healdswood, Stanton Hill, Teversal). It could just be what is needed to add some passengers to avoid its complete withdrawal as a commercial service (and in the present climate there may not be funds for a tendered replacement).

It would be good for it to continue to serve Clay Cross and then run direct by Derby Road to Chesterfield, a quick route not served by any bus except the Red Arrow. The problem would be, if it started at Sutton, that it needs slightly longer to get from Clay Cross to Chesterfield than it does currently from Mansfield to Sutton, so to maintain the hourly frequency would require another bus, which seems highly unlikely. It is already tightly timed and sometimes late. Recently, a run around Healdswood estate was added to the route with no additional running time.

I think it is fair to say if the 241 is to survive, something must be done. We shall see what Trentbarton comes up with.

Oliver Foreman
Added 2 July 2010

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Wellglade bus sale

There is to be an auction of 33 vehicles surplus to the needs of the Wellglade Group at the premises of Kinchbus in Loughborough on Saturday 3 July at 10.30am (viewing Friday 2 July).

Auction details HERE.

Details of vehicles HERE.

Further mention of the sale on this website HERE.

PG
Added 1 July 2010

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Improved Red Arrow timetable published on DCC website 28 June 2010

A much improved Trentbarton Red Arrow (Nottingham - Derby - Chesterfield) timetable is to be implemented on 25 July 2010. Nottingham - Derby is to have a coach every ten minutes instead of 15 minutes, and Nottingham - Chesterfield every 30 minutes instead of every 60 minutes.

Several new Scania coaches we understand similar to the existing ones but with wheelchair lifts are soon to be delivered.

Links to the timetables may be found on the Derbyshire County Council website HERE.

Here is a brief analysis of the changes to the times of coaches through to Chesterfield (previous frequencies/times in brackets):

CHESTERFIELD - DERBY - NOTTINGHAM

Monday to Saturday
First departure Chesterfield - Nottingam 0640 (0700)
Last departure Chesterfield - Notingham 1850 (1725)
Last departure Chesterfield - Derby 2015 (1920)
Frequency throughout day every 30 minutes (60 minutes)
Sunday
First departure Chesterfield - Nottingham 0915 (1020)
Last departure Chesterfield - Nottingham 1715 (1620)
Last departure Chesterfield - Derby 2015 (2020)
Frequency throughout day every 60 minutes (120 minutes)

NOTTINGHAM - DERBY - CHESTERFIELD

Monday to Saturday
First departure Derby - Chesterfield 0540 (0600)
First departure Nottingham - Chesterfield 0725 (0720)
Last departure Nottingham - Chesterfield 1830 (1730)
Frequency throughout day every 30 minutes (60 minutes)
Sunday
First departure Derby - Chesterfield 0810 (0920)
First departure Nottingham - Chesterfield 1030 (1050)
Last departure Nottingham - Chesterfield 1830 (1850)
Frequency throughout day every 60 minutes (120 minutes)

Note that the running time of most journeys has been slightly increased. Also note that the new timetable gives the same Chesterfield departure point as the old one (New Beetwell Street B14). [There has been comment on our website forum that this stop becomes too congested even before Red Arrow is doubled in frequency.]

Red Arrow departs from Nottingham Victoria Bus Station September 2009 Oliver Foreman

Oliver Foreman
Added 29 June 2010

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Stagecoach in Chesterfield update, including those 10 new deckers!

Stephen Read, Operations Manager for Stagecoach in Chesterfield, writes (26 June 2010): Just been reading on the Transpire site about the rumour of 10 new deckers for Stagecoach Chesterfield (see below). It is TRUE!

We are due to receive 10 Scania/ADL E400 with delivery now said to start in mid-August. I am informed they will be on '60' plates, ie first registered from 1 September. It is intended that they will mainly be used on the 17, 70 and 727. They are due to replace the 3 Volvo/Jonckheere's and it is likely that most, possibly all the Volvo Olympians will go as well. I understand there will some low floor saloons coming from Yorkshire as well. Also, and this bit is not confirmed, we think we might be losing the 2 Tridents to Yorkshire, but I must stress this bit is not confirmed.

Recently withdrawn are Excels 35016/8. 35016 left about a week ago whilst 35018 which has been out of action for several months is still in Chesterfield being returned to roadworthiness in preparation for its departure. I am told they have moved to a Scottish depot of Stagecoach, although I cannot confirm whether that is true at this stage.

Yorkshire B10M 20677 arrived on Thursday 17 June. Initially used on normal service it has mainly been used over the last week for a service 90 shuttle between Barrow Hill and Staveley due to the closure of Works Road near Barrow Hill.

Also, look out for some possible service revisions in early September.

Stephen Read
Added 27 June 2010

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10 new buses for Chesterfield?

Oliver Foreman reports (22 June 2010): For some time a rumour has been circulating that Stagecoach in Chesterfield is to be allocated 10 brand new double deckers, some of which are to used on the Chesterfield to Sheffield direct service 727. Today I have had this information confirmed by a reliable source . . . though it will not be the first time if at the last minute Stagecoach diverts them somewhere else with a perceived greater need. Things seem hopeful but let's wait until we actually see them. When asked about "when" the answer was "sometime this year". Who will be the first to send in a photograph for the website?

Oliver Foreman adds (23 June 2010): I heve received an email today from an informed source, who wishes to remain anonymous, stating; "15687-96 are the 10 Scania E400s due for Chesterfield end August/early September". Now that DOES sound promising!

David Gambles sends this link to Stagecoach preliminary results year ending 30 April 2010 CLICK

Oliver Foreman
Added 23/24 June 2010

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Buses for sale

The following appeared on busweb.co.uk from Simon at Nottingham Heritage Vehicles (18 June 2010):

To allow us to concentrate on other projects and owing to time and health consraints Nottingham Heritage Vehicles are down sizing their collection. The following vehicles are being made available to genuine enthusiasts for preservation:

Leyland Atlanteans ETO 452C; STO 526H and Daimler Fleetline UTV 218S. (452 and 218 have already undergone extensive restoration work). None of these will be disposed of for figures less than scrap value.

In addition fully restored single deck Atlantean rebody RAU 804M (Nottingham / South Notts No.55) is available. This is ticketed for a year and taxed for 6 months.

For further info or to arrange to view please contact me on 07971 105491. Those we fail to find new homes for will be scrapped in due course once reusable parts have been removed to assist in completing other projects.

Dont leave it too late if interested.

Nottingham Heritage Vehicles BEWARE: This site appears to add unwanted advertisement pages to your computer

Image captured from Chatsworth Preserved Bus Gathering 2010 video by Oliver Foreman

Oliver Foreman
Added 21 June 2010

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YourBus grows closer!

Oliver Foreman writes (24 May 2010): Veolia has not appeared on the Chesterfield bus scene (except for one Friday shopping trip from Nottingham) but in recent years the Company has taken a good slice of tendered work in neighbouring Nottinghamshire.

However, a statement on the bus section of Nottinghamshire County Council website (May 2010) states:
"Veolia Transport have given notice to cease many of their contracted bus services in the east of the County from early June. Work is currently under way to secure replacement operators. This may mean some timetable changes and further information will be issued when available."

The following appeared on the Stagecoach East Midlands Yahoo Group, contributed by Stephen Bryce:

Dunn Motor Traction T/A YourBus are taking over the following routes:
24 Retford Town Service via Bracken Lane
26 Retford Town Service via Hallcroft
36 Retford - Tuxford - Ollerton
38 Retford - Tuxford
89 Retford - Grove - East Drayton
90/90A/90B Retford - Woodbeck - Dunham - Tuxford
95/95A Retford - Gainsborough

and school services
730 Church Laneham - Tuxford
736 North Leverton - Tuxford
1 Retford - Carr Hill School

and I believe Travel Wright are taking the following:
31 Ollerton local
32 Newark - Ollerton
33 Tuxford - Newark
35 Ollerton - Retford

Talking of Stagecoach East Midlands, Damon Powell writes:

"They've won the 87A, not contract, but an LCC funded route"

Some of those routes noted above will surely have been covered by Chesterfield Transport subsidiary Retford & District in years past.

Will YourBus cross the boundaries of Chesterfield in the near future?

John Curtis replies (4 June 2010): Further to Oliver's note regarding Veolia, I think there may be some confusion as Veolia has LOST a lot of Notts CC work and it is DUNN MOTOR TRACTION that has taken much of it. DMT has Bob Dunn and Simon Dunn (at least) behind it and if linked to any group it will be ROTALA - and Diamond Bus from Tividale West Mids, although it is claimed to be a separate operation altogether. ROTALA has no connection with VEOLIA and as Bob Dunn sold out to the latter I doubt if they are involved in his subsequent activities.

Oliver Foreman adds (6 June 2010): I did not mean to imply that Veolia had any connection with Yourbus (Dunn Motor Traction) and I have changed a few words in my original piece above to make it slightly clearer.

At the time of writing, there seems to be much confusion as to exactly what is happening in the Newark area in particular. Hopefully this will become clearer in the next few days when the Nottinghamshire County Council timetables are updated (see HERE).

First of all, Stagecoach East Midlands has registered evening Newark town services (from 10 June 2010) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings (this company did only Sunday evenings in recent times). Veolia did tendered evening Newark town journeys 7 days a week. Is another operator doing these are are there to be no Newark evening town services Monday to Wednesday? For Stagecoach evening timetables see page 2 of the leaflet HERE.

It has been announced that Travel Wright will cover the 32 Newark to Ollerton service (as they did for many years in the past) but it seems that last week Stagecoach were covering this service, possibly on a short term contract. See HERE.

Just to clarify the list of services taken over by Yourbus printed above, Yourbus are taking over the peak time 95's (Retford - Ganisborough) from Veolia, but Stagecoach are introducing a Monday to Saturday all day service from 7 June 2010. This, as far as I can make out, has not operated for some time (see HERE). Indeed, Stagecoach East Midlands seems to be bringing in many improvements, not least of which is the Newark - Grimsby service (with an apparent change of bus at Lincoln presumably because of EC regulations). See HERE. For photographs of the brand new double deckers for this service CLICK.

For Retford photographs CLICK

Original piece Oliver Foreman added 25 May 2010 (slightly modified 7 June 2010)
John Curtis added 7 June 2010
Oliver Foreman addition added 7 June 2010

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New Routemaster for London unveiled, 17 May 2010
CLICK

Ian Moorcroft
Added 18 May 2010

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Bus war looming?

Trentbarton registers journeys 5 minutes in front of all
Stagecoach East Midlands Sunday 92 workings

Oliver Foreman writes (13 May 2010): Although the following does not directly concern Chesterfield, it is a further indication of a possible change of management policy in the Wellglade group.

The Derbyshire County Council timetable site lists a new Sunday timetable for the Derby-Ripley-Alfreton-Sutton-Mansfield group of services commencing 27 June 2010 HERE.

To the best of my knowledge the recent history of Sunday workings on these routes is as follows:

Has patronage improved that much on a Sunday, even in the evening? Wellglade management appears to think it has. No doubt many passengers are grateful to Stagecoach for keeping the service running during those years when Trent decided not to run Sunday buses.

Remember, a few yeras ago Trent chose to withdraw weekday services 94, 95, 96 and 97, most of the routes of which are now covered in modified form by the Chesterfield and Mansfield depots of Stagecoach. I wonder . . . .

Oliver Foreman
Added 14 May 2010

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Hulley's bus in collision 11 May 2010

Information below from reliable but unofficial sources

Colin Sellers reports: (11 May 2010): Hulley's number 2, working the 14-05 route 170 to Bakewell was involved in a head-on collision with a car approaching 13 bends (past Pilsley). The vehicle was seen being dragged through Chesterfield by wrecker (possibly Reg Morgan) around 20-00. No news on driver, possibly 5 injured passengers, car driver could have life threatening injuries.

Bearcub24 wrote on our website forum: (11 May 2010): Hulleys' Pointer was involved in a serious accident this afternoon between Pilsley and Bakewell on the B6048, the air ambulance and a fleet of ambulances were on the scene. It looked like it suffered moderate/severe front off side damage.

Update from Colin Sellers: (1730 12 May 2010): Have heard from contacts that Chris Stone (the driver of the bus) has been released from hospital. About 20 passengers were on the bus, about 5 were injured.

The opinion of some passengers on the bus was that two cars appeared to be racing. One car collided with the bus.

The bus was moved to Stonegravels where it was inspected by VOSA last night. It is thought that they found the vehicle was well maintained.

Update from Ian Moorcroft: (2000 12 May 2010): Dart number 2 was involved in an accident with a car yesterday but the damage is severe and it will probably be written off as part of the front had to be cut out to free the driver (who is very, very lucky and sustained only cuts, severe bruising and shock) and to get the four passengers needing hospitalisation out on stretchers. It is currently at the Stagecoach depot at Stonegravels.

As of tonight the car driver is still in a life threatening condition according to Hulleys management.

For Derbyshire Times report (13 May 2010) CLICK

Update from Ian Moorcroft (19 May 2010): Chatting with Richard Eades (Hulley's Director) yesterday he told me that Dart number 2 will be written off when the insurance company engineer can get to inspect it. It is currently classed as police forensic evidence and so cannot be touched.

It is to be replaced by another MAN / MCV Evolution from Alliance and Leicester, an 05 registered example which I believe to be part of their rental fleet which was used at Manchester Airport. Further details when I get them.

Hulley's no 2 (above) following accident on 11 May 2010 [(C) Roger Kaye]
and (below) on 8 April 2010 [(C) Ian Moorcroft]

Oliver Foreman
Text added 12/13 May 2010
Photographs added 14 May 2010
Derbyshire Times link added 15 May 2010
Further update Ian Moorcroft added 21 May 2010

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TM Travel update 5 May 2010

Paul Hopkinson writes:

Over the weekend the original TM Travel Operating Centre at Fan Road, Staveley closed for good.

Since last July the premises had been used for MOT preparation and storage.

The last vehicle to be MOT prepared there was YN06 CYO up until last Thursday.

The site was cleared throughout Friday and Saturday.

One of the buidings has passed to Steve Rush and the 123 Group which will continue independently of TM Travel.

All buses that remain on site are now privately owned.

B42 ECV remains in the ownership of Tim Watts (not TM Travel).

The two remaining Doyens went for scrap last week.

I think that everything else that has happened has been reported already.

See photograph HERE

Paul Hopkinson
Added 6 May 2010

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TM Travel Tesco bus burnt out - suspected arson

It is reported that on 24 April 2010 (?) Tesco livered VDL/Plaxton Centro 1186 (YJ07 JVC) was destroyed having caught fire outside the TM Travel depot at Halfway. The suspected arsonist fled the scene. Photographs HERE and HERE

Daniel Sellers writes (17 May 2010): I found the burnt out TM Travel Tesco bus in a yard at Renishaw this morning.

PG added 29 April 2010
Daniel Sellers photograph added 18 May 2010

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Encouraging Stagecoach results

CLICK and CLICK

David Gambles
Added 29 April 2010

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Bolsover by Bus

A new book by TRANSPIRE member Paul Smith

For more information CLICK

Paul Smith
Added 27 April 2010

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New ticket machines for Stagecoach in Chesterfield fitted weekend 27/28 February 2010

Stephen Read
Added 1 March 2010

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Big Red Bus coming to Chesterfield 1st March

Peter Williamson writes: It says DAB at the bottom, but I don't think it means Leyland DAB CLICK FOR DETAILS (PDF format in new window)

Peter Williamson adds (2 March 2010): For the record, KX55 APY is an MAN 14.220 with East Lancs body.

. . . and here it is (first two photographs Colin Sellers; final two Tony Wilson):

Peter Williamson added document 19 February 2010
Tony Wilson & Colin Sellers added photographs 2 March 2010

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For sale: Lodekka's (one ex Mansfield District)

Two Lodekka FLF6Gs are languishing in the yard of McKindless, Wishaw and are currently for sale. They are in poor condition, but it is thought that one good bus could be made from the two, or at least they would be a useful source of spares. The two are former Central SMT BL341 (HGM 341E) and Mansfield District 694 (TRB 589F). Anyone seriously interested in looking at these vehicles with a view to purchasing, should contact Martin Bell at McKindless on 07920 527204.

Ian Moorcroft
Added 16 February 2010

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The new Derby Bus Station is due to open on Sunday 28 March 2010

Oliver Foreman (from Derbyshire CC website)
Added 13 February 2010

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Late night Pronto's to Stephenson Place

Commencing 5 February 2010 the late Pronto's on a Friday/Saturday night (actually Saturday/Sunday morning) will leave the Coach Station at 2355 (to Nottingham), 0125 (to Nottingham) and 0250 (to Mansfield) and in each case will serve Stephenson Place (K3) 10 minutes later. The departure times from Nottingham are unchanged (0005 & 0130* to Chesterfield; 0300* to Mansfield)

* Start from outside Boots and do NOT serve Victoria Bus Station

Neville Whitmore & Oliver Foreman
Added 28 January 2010

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Service changes brings back memories!

Richard Lomas writes (24 January 2010): Today there were some changes to Sunday services with Trent competing with Stagecoach* between Mansfield and Derby and service 71 being changed from red Darts to dark green Solos as 7.1. This brought back memories of Deregulation and I have provided a picture of CCT bus in Ripley on Deregulation day in the website Nostalgia section HERE.

There was also today a 'dress rehearsal' with lots of buses on the new yet-to-be-opened Derby bus station.

* Webmaster Oliver Foreman comments: Is this more evidence of a change of policy at Trentbarton? 9 or 10 years ago Trent 'chucked in' commercial Sunday services on the then 92 (Mansfield - Sutton - McArthur Glen - Alfreton - Ripley - Derby) and 93 (Mansfield - Sutton - Pinxton - Alfreton - Ripley). Stagecoach East Midland won the tender and worked these Sunday services from Mansfield (where I was a driver at that time). SEM found them so remunerative that they threw in the tender and ran them both commercially, though later relinquishing the 93. (This is now on Sundays a tendered service run by TM Travel just between Sutton and Alfreton, numbered 9.3). After a break of nearly 10 years, Trentbarton decide they DO want to run again between Derby and Mansfield commercially on a Sunday so introduce an hourly 9.1 (much the same as a 92/9.2 except for a difference in route between Derby and Denby Pottery). Stagecoach are continuing to run their hourly Sunday 92 (it seems refusing to renumber it 9.2 as Trentbarton have done on other days). At least the two operators' journeys are spaced at 30 minute intervals, though there will be increased confusion for passengers trying to use on Stagecoach vehicles Zig Zags, two journey and Frio tickets, and Mango cards!

Evidence of Mansfield running the Sunday 92 as far back as 13 May 2001. Here is the Volvo B6 your webmaster was driving in the old Derby bus Station:

Richard Lomas & Oliver Foreman
Added 25 January 2010

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URGENT: HOMES NEEDED FOR BUSES FAST

Paul Hopkinson, Managing Director of TM Travel, writes (12 January 2010):

We have decided to offer the whole of the former preserved fleet for sale with the exception of the PS1. Details HERE (PDF format). If anyone needs further details please contact me on 0114 263 3893 or by email (CONTACT US and it will be passed on).

All vehicles will need to be removed from the site by 31st January 2010. I am trying to find homes for the runners but unfortunately anything I am unable to find an alternative home for by this date will be sold for scrap.

The tyres on the ex-Fleet vehicles belong to Michelin and will need to be returned to them, on most of the older vehicles the tyres will be included.

Scrap value for a coach is currently around £1300-1500 depending on weight. We will consider any offers over scrap value.

CLICK FOR LIST OF BUSES AVAILABLE (PDF format).

CLICK FOR PICTURES

Paul Hopkinson
added 12 January 2010

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Covered bus accommodation urgently required

Neil Jones writes: I am urgently looking for (preferably) covered storage for my preserved Chesterfield Transport Mercedes 811D "Spire Sprinter" in the Chesterfield/North Derbyshire area.

Please CONTACT US. Your message will be passed to Neil

Neil Jones
11 January 2010

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WELLGLADE GROUP BUY TM TRAVEL

UPDATE 7 JANUARY 2010: A reliable source informs us that Wellglade officially took control of TM Travel on 5 January 2010, though as yet this is not confirmed by management of either company. We have also heard that further buses within the Wellglade Group (in addition to the two Darts mentioned below) are being repainted into TM Travel livery.

UPDATE 2 JANUARY 2010: The deal between TM and Wellglade has not yet been finalised. It should be completed next week or the week after. It seems TM have bought two Dennis Darts from Wellglade. It appears that a top priority is to replace the Optare Excel's.

Update by Oliver Foreman (31 December 2009):

The deal is due to be signed today though there have been rumours of a delay because of the Christmas / New Year holiday. As soon as we hear it has gone through, it will be reported here.

Another unconfirmed rumour states that already two Kinchbus Dennis Darts (ex Trent) are being painted into TM Travel colours! We shall see.

An article in RouteOne (HERE) dated 24 December 2009 gives further information. It states that Mr and Mrs Watts lost interest in the business following the bad accident last March and the subsequent public enquiries. Tim states that he will never again operate buses because of the stresses and strains involved. He thinks that with a possible change in government and proposed budget cuts it is a good time to get out. He feels that the sale to Wellglade was in the best interests of the staff and the business.

However, Tim says his enthusiasm for the industry continues and he particularly wants to retain his 1948 Leyland PS1, hoping to take it to the East of England showground in April. The small heritage fleet (not sold to Wellglade) will for the time being be stored at the rented Staveley premises.

Below are previous reports posted on this website:

A notice went up today (15 December 2009) in the drivers' room of TM Travel to announce that the Wellglade Group (which up to now has consisted of Trent Buses, Barton Buses, Kinchbus, Notts and Derby and Midland General) is to take over TM Travel. It has been confirmed from other sources that negotiations are almost finalised and the take over should come into effect early 2010.

From David Gambles 16 December 2009: I spoke to Tim Watts (of TM Travel) this evening who confirmed the following and agreed that it could be posted on the Transpire website.

The sale of TM Travel is scheduled to complete on 31st December subject to a couple of issues being sorted. Tim said that out of all the companies it could have gone to he was happy that it has gone to Trent, as he called it, who have agreed that TM Travel will be run as a stand alone company within the group and that the vehicles will retain the current livery.

Tim has been offered a post within the company but he has declined that and will only stay until the end of January. Beyond that his future plans are not yet finalised and it will be a case of "business as usual for TM but without me". Paul Hopkinson will stay with the new company and become General Manager.

Of the eighteen vehicles stored at Staveley, Tim said that efforts will be made to find new homes for most of them but confirmed that he will retain JRA 635 although he will need to find a new storage site for this bus.

70+ PHOTOGRAPHS OF TM TRAVEL

    

Oliver Foreman (from reliable sources) 15 December 2009 1530
David Gambles 16 December 2009 2000
BUS & COACH BUYER article 18 December 2009
Further update Oliver Foreman 31 December 2009/2 January/7 January 2010/ Paul Hopkinson 8 January 2010