TWO bus companies at war on the road are in secret talks about the possibility of a joint future, it was revealed today.

Hyndburn Council chief executive Mike Chambers admitted today that negotiations are taking place with Rossendale Transport about a deal to safeguard the future of up-for-sale Hyndburn Transport.

Mr Chambers said: "We have been talking to Rossendale Transport. They are a strong contender.

"They have put some proposals to us which we are considering," he added.

Mr Chambers said the authority was actively progressing negotiations with two companies with the objective of maintaining jobs and services.

"It would be a different sort of deal in each case. Each deal would have merit in terms of preserving services and jobs.

"One of them would take ownership of the Hyndburn company and the Hyndburn company would become part of a larger group.

"In the other case, it would be a matter of the services still being operated but the company remaining in the hands of the council, closer to a partnership deal," he added.

Meanwhile Hyndburn and Rossendale are still locked in battle competing for passengers on the Accrington to Bacup route.

TGWU branch secretary John Hornsby at Accrington said: " There are a lot of rumours about partnerships being bandied about.

"We have heard Rossendale are in for some part of the company but not all of it.

"If a merger did come about. it would be very difficult working together. There's quite a bit of ill-feeling.

"The continuing uncertainty is getting everybody down. They want a decision.

"They want to know if they have got a job or not, or to start looking for another."

Mr Chambers said: "Tension doesn't make for easy negotiations.

"When we do take a decision it won't be on the basis of whether we like or dislike the people concerned but whether it will result in decent bus services or not.

"I am conscious of the fact there is a lot of anxiety among the workforce and I'm looking to conclude things as quickly as possible."

Managing director of Rossendale Transport Leonard Green declined to comment.

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