TWO Bolton bus operations are set to merge.

Horwich-based Blue Bus & Coach Services Ltd is in talks to acquire the Bolton depot and routes currently operated by Lancashire United.

United is a subsidiary of Blazefield Holdings Ltd, which is based in Harrogate, and is one of Britain's largest independent bus groups.

Blazefield said it was "good news for Bolton" when it acquired Stagecoach Ribble's Bolton operation in March, 2001.

It chose the name Lancashire United for its operating company -- a familiar name in the area, but one which had not been used since 1981. Buses run from three former Ribble depots at Clitheroe, Blackburn and Bolton.

Blazefield managing director Stuart D. Wilde said today: "Lancashire United is not a sufficiently large operation to make a realistic impact on Bolton and the north Manchester area.

"Blue Bus has been looking for a Bolton base for some time and so we see this as a sensible business decision for both parties, a 'marriage of convenience' which should provide long term benefits for both our staff and our customers in the Bolton area."

A Blazefield spokesman said the deal affected about 100 staff in Bolton and 10 routes.

The Lancashire United operation in Clitheroe and Blackburn, which employed more than 150 staff, would continue as before. The 225 route which links Bolton, Blackburn and Clitheroe will not be affected.

Blue Bus has been based at the Horwich Loco Industrial Park off Chorley New Road, Horwich, since it began operating on March 24, 1991.

If the deal goes through, the company will be able to move into the Lancashire United depot in Folds Road, Bolton as well.

Two former employees of Wigan-based Shearings Coaches -- Roger Jarvis and Alan Turner -- started Blue Bus when they were made redundant. Mr Turner has since retired, but Mr Jarvis, who lives near Chorley, is still the firm's managing director.

The business has 56 vehicles operating across about 16 routes and the staff now totals 90.

Mr Jarvis said today that he expected the deal to double the current annual turnover of £3 million.

The deal will make Blue Bus the second largest operator in Bolton, behind First. Mr Jarvis said there would be some rationalisation of routes, particularly on Blackburn Road where there were currently 21 buses an hour.

It was hoped any staff reductions could be achieved by natural wastage.