THE BOSS of the company aiming to take over Hyndburn Transport today said that job cuts could be on the way at the Accrington based firm.

Hyndburn councillors voted to enter into negotiations with Blackpool Transport on the same day that workers at the Fylde firm claimed they were locked out by management after staging a strike over working conditions and wages.

Tony Depledge, the managing director of Blackpool Transport, said the aim was to turn Hyndburn into a profitable company and economy measures could be on the way.

The sale looks likely to go ahead within the next few weeks amid growing concern about the future of administration and maintenance workers at the Accrington based company.

Mr Depledge said: "If we decided to go ahead with the acquisition we will approach it as investment.

"It is still too early to make exact plans but there would have to be some economies which would probably involve maintenance and administration staff." Around 120 people work for Hyndburn Transport and there are fears that about 40 administration and maintenance jobs could be axed.

But the news is not all bad and if Blackpool take over they plan to invest in new buses to replace the ageing fleet.

The firm has also pledged to protect services and routes in the area along with the strong local identity of the company.

Blackpool Transport were the only firm to make an offer after two national companies dropped out of the bidding following months of intense speculation.

Tory councillors claimed the ruling Labour group's mismanagement of the firm had led to the controversial sale.

The decision to sell off the company was made at a specially called meeting held in private but the issue was also discussed at a full council meeting. George Slynn, the leader of Hyndburn council, said: "It gives me no pleasure to have to make the recommendation to sell Hyndburn Transport. This is a direct result of de-regulation of public transport.

"We have been forced into this position because there needs to be fresh investment in this company.

Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "This is a very sad day for Hyndburn. It is very easy to blame de-regulation but Blackpool Council was Conservative run until a few years ago and their bus company is in a much stronger position than Hyndburn's.

"We have got to this position because of bad management and a lack of intervention.

John Hornsby of the Transport and General Workers Union said: "I am glad in one aspect that the council has voted to accept the offer.

"We are still not sure what the future holds but Blackpool Transport has promised to invest in the company. Without investment there would be no future for Hyndburn Transport."

Mr Hornsby added: "We are aware that there is dispute with the union in Blackpool and we will be talking to their people about the situation.

"All I can say is that we passed a vote of no confidence in our management several months ago.

"We have a lot of loyal passengers and every day when people get on the buses they want to know what is going to happen to the company."

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