Newark and Bingham MP Robert Jenrick on Travel Wright's proposed closure

Robert Jenrick has responded to the planned closure of Newark's Travel Wright.

The Newark and Bingham MP said he was sad to hear of the near 100-year-old coach and bus company's proposals to shut up shop for retirement.

Managing director David Wright announced the Jessop Close firm had looked for a buyer to continue the business, but that this did not come to pass.

"Sad to see that Travel Wright intends to close in a few months' time as its managing director looks to retire," said Mr Jenrick on Facebook.

"The firm has been a staple of transport in our area for nearly 100 years and I am sure many people across the constituency have fond memories of the company, whether that is going on short trips, school journeys or just popping on the bus into town."

Mr Jenrick added he had received several inquiries about current routes provided by Travel Wright and the future of those services.

"Since the announcement I have had several inquires regarding current routes provided by the firm and their future, in particular the Collingham service," he said.

"The service is currently part-commercial and part-supported by Nottinghamshire County Council.

"After speaking to the council, their plan is to replace the service like for like if this is possible, depending on alternative suppliers being able to pick up the work.

"The council hope to have enough time to make sure that there will be no loss of service.

"The council's longer-term plans will be developed using the experience they get from their Rural Mobility Fund pilot schemes later this year."

Mr Jenrick said as part of this the council would develop the use of new demand-responsive transport software, which should allow it to target transport provision to the areas that want and use it.

Travel Wright was formed as Wright & Sons on Lincoln Road by Charles Wright and his sons Frank and Leslie in 1926, and the company has remained a family business since then.

"We are looking to retire and have accordingly been looking for a buyer such that the business could continue but, unfortunately, this has not happened," said managing director Mr Wright.

"It has been a difficult decision to make and will be a very sad day for our family, our staff and we are sure our customers too.

"We will continue to support our staff and would like to thank them for their loyalty and for helping us to achieve what we hope will be an honourable exit.

"It would be fantastic for the public to support us during the next nine weeks or so, perhaps taking a last outing to the seaside, a short break or even booking a coach for a day out — we do hope so."

Originally, the business operated buses without the luxury of any glass windows — the first service running between Newark and Ollerton, which is still in operation today.

At this time, Lincoln Road was the main A46 (before the bridge over the railway was built) and the business sold petrol to much passing trade.

During the difficult war years, the company was involved in many troop movements and services to the local airfield. By the mid 1960s, Leslie had left the business to Frank who was joined by his son Terry after he had served his apprenticeship at Shipsides and returned from National Service.

The company continued to grow steadily and began operating holidays during the late 1960s. These, along with the express services operated to Torquay, Bournemouth and Great Yarmouth, proved to be an instant hit.

During the 1980s, Terry was joined by all three of his children — David, Paula and Colin, who all remain with the company today.

In the early years of the 21st Century, it became obvious the business had outgrown its Lincoln Road site and the decision was taken to relocate to a purpose-built premises in August 2005. The modern workshop facility even had inside toilets.

Today, Travel Wright operates around 30 buses/coaches.

Mr Wright added: "We can categorically state our business remains solvent and we will continue to honour all of our bookings, day excursions, holidays, services, private hire and contracts up to and including Sunday, April 3.

"In addition, we will definitely be operating the excursion to London to see Wicked on April 6.

"Anyone who has a Travel Wright gift voucher is encouraged to use it before the end of March. We will be in touch with all of our private hire customers who have bookings beyond April 3 in the next few weeks."

Travel Wright is looking to close in early April.

A final decision will be announced on or around February 18.