John's in the driving seat

THE man responsible for the purse strings of the town’s bus company for more than twenty years is now in the driving seat.
John Bannister, Finance Director at Warrington Borough Transport for the last 22 years, has been appointed Managing Director, taking over from Nigel Featham, who left the company for a new role with Arriva.
Despite more than 20 applications for the post the board of directors unanimously decided that John was the best person for the job.
With a background in commercial accounting, John helped steer the bus company through de-regulation in 1986 and the infamous “bus wars,” when rival bus companies were able to compete for routes in Warrington, when he worked alongside Nigel’s predecessor George Hurst.
Chairman Les Hoyle said: “John was a very popular choice with the board due to his vast experience in financial management running the bus company.
“He is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to him carrying on the good work.”
John said: “I have a hard act to follow in Nigel but I will be working hard to continue developing the policies we have already got in place.
“I will continue to work closely with the council and our key partners developing the business as have been been doing over the past three or four years.”
The bus company employs 275 people and has 127 buses with a turnover of £10m with an 8 per cent year on year growth in passenger numbers.
Picture shows John Bannister (R) being congratulated on his new role by Chairman Les Hoyle.