Bus depot at risk of closure 'devastating'
GoogleA bus depot is at risk of being permanently shut with a potential for a "limited number" of job losses.
Talks are under way to close Arriva's depot, in Dormanstown, Redcar, with plans to transfer most employees to alternative sites, the company said.
Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Alec Brown said the news was "devastating information", while Labour MP Anna Turley said travel to other sites in Stockton or Whitby "simply isn't realistic".
The bus company said the proposal was part of efforts to "operate as efficiently and effectively as possible across the region", adding customers would not experience disruption to services.
A spokesperson said: "While the proposal may result in a limited number of job losses, our priority is to minimise any impact on colleagues and provide support throughout the process.
"The majority of affected colleagues would transfer to alternative depots, and we are committed to supporting all employees fully during this period."
Its driver relief point by the clock in the town centre is also at risk of closure, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Brown, a Labour councillor, said he was worried about such additional costs forcing "experienced employees" to leave their jobs, adding: "At a time when bus operators face challenges recruiting and retaining drivers, losing skilled local staff would be a serious mistake."
Tees Valley Conservative Mayor Ben Houchen told BBC Radio Tees' hot seat Arriva was "in effect reducing their costs by getting rid of a depot".
The mayor said he did not believe that Arriva's engagement with the Tees Valley Combined Authority was where it should be, highlighting a better working relationship with Stagecoach, the other main bus operator in the Tees Valley.
