Cheshire operators seek extension into Yorks
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
NORTHERN operators of extended coach tours continue to seek extension of their catchment areas and the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners have begun hearing applications by two Cheshire-based companies, Pleasureways( 1955) Ltd and S hearings Holidays Ltd, Altrincham.
They seek new feeder services, starting from Harrogate and Wakefield. into Altrincham to connect with tour departures. Objectors are Wallace Arnold Tours Ltd, Sheffield United Tours Ltd and Heaps Tours Ltd.
Mr J. Bowyer, for the applicant companies, said that although new picking up points were being sought, feeders from the Yorkshire area had been established for a number of years, starting from Halifax.
It was now proposed to start from Harrogate with Shearings picking up at Wakefield, Dewsbury, Leeds, Bradford, Halifax. Brighouse and Huddersfield.
The Pleasureways route would he via Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Brighouse, Huddersfield, Linthwaite and Marsden. In addition Pleasureways sought to start from Wakefield and pick up at Dewsbury, Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Todmorden. It had been apparent to the applicants for some time that some of their passengers from Yorkshire were finding it difficult and expensive to travel to the existing picking up points. The public transport facilities, particularly early on Saturdays and Sundays, were far from satisfactory. Also the public wer now demanding a greater choice of tour operators.
Referring to the objectors, Mr Bowyer said it was agreed that Wallace Arnold had interests throughout the area and Heaps Tours was particularly concerned with Leeds. Sheffield United Tours was itself making similar applications to extend its catchment area into West Yorkshire, which were shortly to be heard by the Commissioners.
The hearing of public witnesses took up the first two days of the hearing at Leeds last week, and it was then adjourned until December 3.
On Thursday last week agreement was reached with SUT which has withdrawn its objection on amendment of the Pleasureway and Shearing Harrogate applications to start from Leeds and Dewsbury respectively. The Pleasureway Wakefield application was withdrawn. Wallace Arnold and Heaps Tours continue their objections.