Stagecoach set to pull plug in region

Bus operator prepares to stop all local services

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Around 130 jobs at bus depots in Dumfries and Stranraer are at risk as Stagecoach prepares to pull the plug on the majority of services across the region.

The services are set to be scrapped after the bus operator could not agree a new contract with the council.

Only two are set to continue after August 6 when the current council contract comes to an end - The 79 Dumfries to Carlisle and the X74 Dumfries to Glasgow.

A Stagecoach spokesperson, said: "Earlier this year the council and SWestrans ran a tender process for services in the region as current contracts expire on August 6.

"A number of the contracts are currently operated by ourselves.

"While reviewing the terms of the contracts being tendered, we identified a liability clause that was far in excess of the value of the contracts on offer.

"We're unfortunately unable to agree to a contract on these disproportionate terms.

"We've been working with the council and SWestrans to find a solution to the procurement ask, but unfortunately the liability levels required by the council have made this impossible.