A PRIVATE bus and coach company which operates services and school contracts throughout the Bolton area, has been called to a disciplinary public inquiry.

Blue Bus & Coach Services Ltd, based in Horwich, has been summoned to the Inquiry due to start this afternoon by the North Western Traffic Commissioner, Keith Waterworth.

It follows an investigation by the Vehicle Inspectorate into the company's vehicle maintenance procedures and concern over the number of road worthiness prohibition notices issued on the vehicles operated by the company.

Blue Bus has also applied to increase the number of vehicles it is allowed to operate under its licence from 33 to 36.

The inquiry will be conducted by Deputy Commissioner, Patrick Mulvenna, at Trafford Magistrates Court, Ashton Lane, Sale.

At the inquiry Mr Mulvenna will consider whether to take disciplinary action against the company's licence to operate passenger carrying vehicles and whether to grant the application to increase its fleet size.

A spokesman for the company refused to comment on the Inquiry until after a decision had been made.

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