A BUS company which has served Leigh for more than 50 years has been placed on the market after its long-serving founders announced plans to retire.

Jim Stones Coaches, based at its depot on Derby Street, has told Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is up for sale until its proposed date of closure and operation, Saturday, April 18. The family business, which was established by Joan and Jim Stones in 1968, is on the lookout for buyers at a time when the Greater Manchester Combined Authority has just had a public consultation on whether to introduce a public body-controlled bus franchising scheme to the region.

A Jim Stones Coaches spokeswoman said: “We regret to advise that due to their poor health Joan (75) and Jim Stones (79) wish to retire and their business is available for sale until the proposed date of closure, and final day of operation.

“In addition to this the future of public transport in Greater Manchester is uncertain.

“Our buses have served Leigh for more than 33 years and we must emphasise that we are not going under.

"If a sale is not achieved our drivers will receive their entitlement and we will help them find new jobs.

“We have made TfGM aware of the situation and will continue to keep them informed of any potential sale or closure of the business so that we can, between us, minimise any impact on our customers.

“Thank you to our brilliant team and wonderful passengers for all your support over the years.”

The operator provides three commercial and eight subsidised services in the borough.

TfGM’s interim head of bus services Alison Chew added: “We met with Mr Stones to discuss the matter and will review the impact on passengers and how the commercial bus market and TfGM could potentially intervene.”

Staff at the 2004 depot opening included Jeff Stones, transport manager Rob Dyson, Jim Stones, office manager Jeanette Dyson and Joan Stones.