by Sam Hawcroft
Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart has requested a meeting with the managing director of East Yorkshire Buses amid fears the Withernsea depot is to close.
A couple of weeks ago the company said it was still assessing the “appropriate next steps” for the Bannister Street site after a fatal fire in a neighbouring property caused significant damage to its travel offices in March.
Managing director Ben Gilligan told the Gazette that East Yorkshire was in the process of dealing with its insurers, loss adjusters and structural surveyors.
He said: “Should we decide to change the working arrangements for the 30 people based at the depot, we will be required to undergo a formal 90-day consultation, which is a legal requirement.
“However, I would not wish to pre- empt the outcome of this until we understand and have evaluated the options for the site.”
Mr Stuart, who will be meeting Mr Gilligan next week, said: “Withernsea needs its employers to stay here, and we’ve been lucky that East Yorkshire Buses has its depot in town, providing 30 jobs. For years, they’ve been a great employer, always keeping the needs of the community at the top of its agenda.
“So I understand the disquiet when, following a fire at the next- door house on Bannister Street, the rumours started to swirl that the bus depot may be closing and operations moving to Hull.
“That’s not on. Not for the workers, not for Withernsea.
“As soon as I heard the rumours, I requested a meeting with the managing director to find out what’s going on. That’s taking place next week.
“In the meantime, he’s told me that no decision has been made.
“I’ll make sure that at the meeting every depot worker and driver is represented. I’ll be sure to update the people of Withernsea following this discussion.”
