AN ACCRINGTON bus company stripped of its licence to operate almost two years ago is back on the road.

Accrington Buses, known locally as Pilkington's, was forced to stop operating in 2004 after an investigation found a host of mechanical faults.

But the family-run firm, based in Blackburn Road, Accrington, and now trading under the name King Travel, has been granted a new licence to operate five vehicles following a public inquiry by the deputy traffic commissioner, Mark Hinchcliffe.

And after the hearing Leon Pilkington, from the firm, said: "We are now a much leaner and fitter organisation, with new management and new ideas.

"We are looking forward to providing quality bus and coach services."

He added: "We have always met customers' requirements and we will continue to do so. We will be working with local authorities to raise standards in public transport."

A spokesman for the commissioner said the inquiry was convened to consider the company's application for a Public Service Vehicle Operator's licence.

Issue to be considered included the company's professional competence and its arrangements for complying with the law relating to the driving or operation of vehicles.

The spokesman said: "Having carefully considered all the evidence presented to him, the deputy traffic commissioner decided to grant the company's application in full."

This is the third time since it stopped operating in July 2004 that the firm, which had been running bus services since 1967, has applied for a new licence.

At the time it was running 16 school contracts and seven further services around Accrington. But in 2003 an investigation resulted in 15 out of 18 vehicles being deemed unfit for use.

In 2004 the firm's licence was revoked. Last year Blackburn with Darwen Council excluded any firm employing members of the Pilkington family in managerial positions from applying for council tenders.