Chorley Excursion Operators Are Told : "Stop This Quarrelling"
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THE battle between rival Chorley excursion groups for additional vehicles and new tours (The Commercial Motor, May 16) came to an end at Black pool last week. The North Western Traffic Commissioners refused applications by Progress Motors (Chorley), Ltd., and Turner's Ideal Tours, Ltd.; and Torn Jackson (Chorley), Ltcleeand W. Simm and Sons, Ltd., for increased vehicle allowances and new excursions to Dumfries and the English Lakes, and Silloth and the Solway Firth.
Fare increases and route variations which had been agreed, and the linking of Prestatyn with period return excursions to Rhyl were granted. The Industrial Towns Clause was lifted on excursions to Manchester, giving Progress and Turner's eight journeys a year to Manchester racecourse, and six each to Maine Road and Old Trafford football grounds. The rival group, Jackson's and Simm's, were granted 12 journeys to the racecourse and six each to the football ground.
Mr. T. Jackson, in evidence, said the' Dumfries and Silloth excursions were new, worked out by his companies and run under dispensation in 1957. They had• been copied by Progress and Turner's who should be excluded from any grant. They had said they were willing to co-operate. but work received from them in 1956 and
1957 was valued at £3, whilst that given to them amounted to £50.
Replying to Mr. E. A. Whitehead, for Progress and Turner's, he agreed that the Jackson licence was acquired from Oliver Hart in 1957, and that it was then limited to eight one-day tours.
Mr. Whitehead pointed out that they were now seeking four additional tours and to double the operating period. Both groups should have an equal number of tours, he suggested. Turner's had run private parties to Dumfries and Silloth just after the war and they were included as suggestions in their private party brochures. They had agreed not to object when Simm's applied for Saltburn, Clecthorpes, Redcar and Filey in 1955.
Mr. James Booth, for British Railways, said that originally' the journeys to Manchester, under the Industrial Towns Clause, were limited to six. The companies now wanted 12 to each football ground for both groups and unlimited journeys to the racecourse. The effect of a vehicic increase on these licences could amount to 123 passengers for each one granted. because of doubling and trebling on the many short runs.
Announcing the decision, the chairman, Mr. F. Williamson, said the two groups would be well advised to forget their -rancour, and get together.