PASSENGERS were put at risk by an East Lancashire bus company which used unsafe vehicles despite repeated warnings from transport chiefs, it was revealed today.

East Lancashire Motor Services, which operates services throughout the region, had its licence revoked at a public inquiry which heard that boss John Haydock had adopted a "cavalier approach" to safety.

The Oswaldtwistle-based firm will be forced to close down its services in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn, Rossendale, Pendle, Padiham, the Ribble Valley and Greater Manchester within six weeks. Its routes include Blackburn to the Trafford Centre and from villages in the Ribble Valley to schools in Blackburn.

Mark Hinchliffe, Deputy Traffic Commissioner for the North West, told the inquiry at Blackburn Central Library that the firm's maintenance record was one of the worst he had seen for a small fleet.

Mr Hinchliffe described the situation as an "accident waiting to happen."

He said: "Mr Haydock's undertaking to keep authorised vehicles in a serviceable condition has been broken and repeatedly broken. He has not adequately heeded three warnings and three consecutive public inquiries, so his licence must go."

A Vehicle Inspectorate examiner reported problems including brake defects, fuel leaks, missing wheel nuts and insecure seats and safety belts. The inquiry was also told of problems including a tyre fault, a broken windscreen wiper, a locked emergency door and a faulty warning device.

Mr Hinchliffe said: "If there was an accident the consequences to passengers would be even more serious than usual, because of Mr Haydock's cavalier approach to safety."

He said that although records showed that faults had been rectified and that regular checks were made by the firm, the drivers' defect report system was unsatisfactory. He said the operator had failed to ensure that authorised vehicles were maintained to a satisfactory condition, despite warnings.

At a previous disciplinary hearing last October, Mr Haydock was issued with a final warning that any failures in his maintenance of vehicles could severely jeopardise his licence and that it could be revoked.

Mr Hinchliffe said that where jobs and public services were at stake, the decision could not be taken lightly.

"This operator's commitment to maintenance and safety is lacking. The facts could not have been clearer to this operator over the years. Effective action should have been taken a long time ago."

Mr Haydock, who has 35 years experience in the trade, said he had expected the report to conclude that the condition of his vehicles was not up to scratch. He offered to employ a firm of contractors to increase the number of inspections for his buses.

He said: "I would like to continue if at all possible. I am still enthusiastic enough to want to operate and serve the public."

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