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Council chief stops bus protest Council chief stops bus protest
(about 1 hour later)
The chief executive of a council has single-handedly held up a protest by bus operators, who say they will lose contracts in a shake-up.The chief executive of a council has single-handedly held up a protest by bus operators, who say they will lose contracts in a shake-up.
More than 20 buses turned up at Powys Council's headquarters in Llandrindod Wells to be faced by Mark Kerr.More than 20 buses turned up at Powys Council's headquarters in Llandrindod Wells to be faced by Mark Kerr.
At one stage Mr Kerr, a former Royal Navy rear admiral, leant against the bonnet of a minibus to stop it moving forward. He is now meeting bus owners.At one stage Mr Kerr, a former Royal Navy rear admiral, leant against the bonnet of a minibus to stop it moving forward. He is now meeting bus owners.
They fear losing £10m council contracts to French-owned Veolia.They fear losing £10m council contracts to French-owned Veolia.
The operators, who cover school runs and subsidised passenger routes, claim they will lose much of their business to European transport giant Veolia.The operators, who cover school runs and subsidised passenger routes, claim they will lose much of their business to European transport giant Veolia.
It has bought up several bus firms in south Wales and is extending its operations into mid Wales.It has bought up several bus firms in south Wales and is extending its operations into mid Wales.
Powys Council asked firms to re-tender for the contracts, which they said had not been finalised but meant "excellent value" for council tax payers.Powys Council asked firms to re-tender for the contracts, which they said had not been finalised but meant "excellent value" for council tax payers.
New contractsNew contracts
Mr Kerr said what was most important was getting the best possible price. Mr Kerr said what was most important was getting the "best possible price" for the transport contract.
"We've been very keen to bring that price down if we possibly can."
But Brecon bus firm owner Gwyn Williams said his company could lose 80% of its business.But Brecon bus firm owner Gwyn Williams said his company could lose 80% of its business.
"We are a third generation company that's been running for 52 years, and that's how long we've been working with the local authority," he added."We are a third generation company that's been running for 52 years, and that's how long we've been working with the local authority," he added.
"We carry 1,400 children and students to and from school and college every day, but the new contracts mean my business will suffer."We carry 1,400 children and students to and from school and college every day, but the new contracts mean my business will suffer.
"I've no doubt there will be job losses throughout the county as a result of these changes.""I've no doubt there will be job losses throughout the county as a result of these changes."
The council has issued notices of intention to the preferred bidders.The council has issued notices of intention to the preferred bidders.
It estimates that 25% of the work could go to Veiola and claims European regulations forced it to review all contracts.It estimates that 25% of the work could go to Veiola and claims European regulations forced it to review all contracts.
The council said it spent £7.5m on home to school transport last year delivering more than 6,500 pupils to 13 secondary schools, 106 junior schools and three colleges.The council said it spent £7.5m on home to school transport last year delivering more than 6,500 pupils to 13 secondary schools, 106 junior schools and three colleges.
Board member responsible for transport, Councillor Gwilym Evans, said: "They (the contracts) will ensure our youngsters get safely and efficiently to school and provide excellent value for the council and the council taxpayer."Board member responsible for transport, Councillor Gwilym Evans, said: "They (the contracts) will ensure our youngsters get safely and efficiently to school and provide excellent value for the council and the council taxpayer."
Veolia Transport employs 61,000 people in 25 countries and in the UK already runs bus services in the south Wales valleys, Nottinghamshire and north east England.Veolia Transport employs 61,000 people in 25 countries and in the UK already runs bus services in the south Wales valleys, Nottinghamshire and north east England.