Poole-based bus firm Shamrock goes bust

The company confirmed it was shutting down on its website

A bus firm in Dorset has folded with the loss of more than 40 jobs.

Poole-based Shamrock buses served pupils from about 12 schools in Poole, Christchurch and Wimborne.

One former employee told the BBC that staff found out on Wednesday but everyone "knew it was on the cards". Shamrock buses has yet to comment.

The Borough of Poole and Dorset County councils said they had arranged alternative cover until the end of the summer term.

Julian McLaughlin, Poole council's head of transportation, said: "We were disappointed to hear of the demise of Shamrock buses who have provided us with a good service for a number of years.

"We are pleased that buses will run for the remaining weeks of the school term and new arrangements will start from Friday.

"We will ensure that all Shamrock school contracts are re-let in time for the new school year in September."

'Seamless transition'

A Dorset County Council spokesman said: "With the help of our partners we were able to arrange alternative cover immediately.

"It has been a seamless transition for the children."

The former Shamrock employee added: "We all new it was on the cards, everyone who worked here knew it was heading downward, I'm gutted for everyone."

Insolvency specialist Mark Liddle, who closed the company down on Wednesday, said there were two major reasons for its collapse.

"One is competition and the second is fuel costs, it simply ate into the margins and the company could not carry on trading," he said.

Wilts & Dorset buses and Yellow Buses have agreed to take on the contracts until the end of term and the councils are in the process of re-letting all other Shamrock contracts in time for the September term.