AT one time bus services throughout the country were run by municipal undertakings operated by local councils.

But after deregulation in 1986 the bus scene changed dramatically and today Blackburn Transport is in the minority as a local authority-owned company.

Nationally most services are controlled by large national and international transport companies.

Comparatively small bus operators like Blackburn Transport have suffered financially as a result and found it difficult to continue to make a profit as "stand alone" companies.

They need cash to invest in new vehicles but the law does not allow councils to just throw public money at them.

Now it looks like a lack of cash means a large part, or maybe all, of the council's controlling share in the loss-making undertaking will have to be sold.

For many families this news will not mean much - and that's part of the problem.

Many people have given up using buses to get to work or go shopping because their services are no longer convenient.

But many more people, especially the young, elderly and disabled depend on public transport to get around.

They will be worried that services will be cut even further because of a short-term need to stem losses and may disappear for ever.