Rise and fall of Crosville in Weston super Mare - last day of operation 21 Apr 2018

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Bristol Post:

Weston-super-Mare tourist bus hits the road this weekend


Weston's new tourist bus

Weston-super-Mare^s first open top tourist bus ferrying visitors to sights across the town hits the road this weekend.

The 152 service, run by Crossville Coaches, will swing into operation on Saturday, taking holidaymakers on a guided tour around the town^s historic and tourist locations.

Weston Town Council has earmarked cash to subsidise a service which will run on a half hourly basis through the main holiday season, for a set fare of ^2.50.

A conductor on the bus will give passengers a running commentary about the town, its highlights and history and where to visit.

The service leaves Locking Road car park travelling along Regent Street along the seafront taking in attractions including the Grand Pier, Knighstone Island and the resort^s water park.

There are also plans to tie in discount offers with local attractions, shops, bars and restaurants as part of the ticket price.

A land train already operates in the resort, ferrying people from the Tropicana to Knighstone Island.

Pensioners will not be able to use their bus passes on the new tourist bus, although concessions for over 65's to use the service are being considered.

For more information call 01934 635259 or visit www.crosvillemotorservices.co.uk

[chuffed]

Just read in my 'Buses' magazine that Jon Jones-Pratt MD of Crosville buses in Weston has purchased this  from Whitby  It is due to be repainted in Crosville green along with the two land trains running along the seafront. I reckon it could be used to resurrect the old WC^▸ (Wiltshire Council (Unitary Authority))&P (Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Light railway for the uninitiated) !

[JayMac]

Need to knock down a few houses to resurrect the WC^▸ (Wiltshire Council (Unitary Authority))&PLR. 

[Chris from Nailsea]

See also http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=485.0 

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Weston Mercury:

Steam bus gets new lease of life on Weston seafront


Steam Bus 'Elizabeth'.

Europe^s only revenue-earning steam bus has begun a new chapter taking a trip down the Weston seafront.

The 1931 steam bus, named Elizabeth, moved to Weston from Whitby in North Yorkshire this year after being acquired by bus company Crosville.

The custom built 30-seat bus operates on selected days, and will be picking up passengers from Pier Square on Sunday.

Crosville has announced it will embark on a strict training programme to up-skill their drivers to operate the vehicle, which was originally built as a freight wagon.

Crosville, which opened its Regent Street travel shop in August, has dedicated itself as a travel and tourist information centre.

The bus company is now urging volunteers to come forward, to join their team and help maintain Elizabeth. They hope the steam bus will add to the extensive array of tourist attractions on the seafront.

Crosville chairman Jon Pratt-Jones said: ^We have been overwhelmed with the response and love for Elizabeth. We are very much looking forward to seeing her return for 2016 and hope that this years running has given a flavour as to what can be expected with a full season of operation.^

[chuffed]

Citing falling passenger numbers and fierce competition.

[LiskeardRich]

Last day will be operated by heritage vehicles with fares to charity.

I do wonder if it’s connected to another public inquiry they’ve been called for. So soon after the last one

. http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/crosville-public-inquiry-1-5092373

[RobT]

Crosville boss Jonathan Jones-Pratt owns 7027 Thornbury Castle and 4936 Kinlet Hall. 7027 was bought from Pete Waterman in 2016 and is (was) due to be fully restored.

https://www.thornburycastle7027.co.uk/

[JayMac]

A real shame to see another Somerset based independent go. My nephews loved the trip on the open topped VR I took them on last summer.

At least Crosville are going about winding up correctly. By giving the traffic commissioner the required notice. Unlike Nippy Bus.

And the parent company continues to trade, so there's some hope for staff redeployment. Bus and coach drivers are still required for the building of Hinckley C fizzy bang power station.

[grahame]

Story is at

http://www.burnham-on-sea.com/news/2018/crosville-bus-services-axed-02-03-18.php

[Chris from Nailsea]

I've now merged a couple of previous posts into this topic, for ease of future reference.  CfN. 

[Phantom]

Last day will be operated by heritage vehicles with fares to charity.

I do wonder if it’s connected to another public inquiry they’ve been called for. So soon after the last one

. http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/crosville-public-inquiry-1-5092373

The general feeling around WSM is that there is more than a coincidence to this enquiry and the decision to stop operating, there have been problems with the fleet for many years now

[Chris from Nailsea]

From Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News:

Bakers Dolphin offers jobs to Crosville Motors staff after cuts to services announced

Drivers who ferry shoppers in Burnham-on-Sea and Taunton whose jobs are at risk due to bus service cuts could be saved by a coach operator.

On March 1, Crosville Motors announced they will be stopping some services at the end of April.

The bus company currently operates two bus services in Weston and shopper services at Asda in Taunton and Tesco in Burnham-on-Sea but announced that they will cease to operate the services as they will be closing part of the business.

Bakers Dolphin, which is based just a few miles away from Crosville Motor Services, said they were 'saddened' to hear the company would be no longer running the bus services and they may be able to offer opportunities to Crosville staff affected by the service cuts.

Max Fletcher, managing director at Bakers Dolphin, said: "We were saddened to hear about Crosville’s decision. However, we are currently trying to recruit drivers and other staff, so we would like to explore how we can help Crosville staff continue their careers within the coach industry, and how we can bring their experience to Bakers Dolphin.

“It is always upsetting to see a coach business hit difficulty, and to see people potentially face losing their jobs. Coach travel is a very competitive and highly-regulated business that is difficult for those without the broad spectrum of income that we have to operate within.

"Bakers Dolphin are committed to Weston-super-Mare and serving the local community."

If any Crosville staff affected by the company’s difficult decision want to discuss potential opportunities at Bakers Dolphin, they should contact Derek Forbes on 01934 415000.