Bus boss sacked!

THE managing director of Warrington’s council owned bus company has been sacked following an internal investigation.
John Bannister, was formerly finance director at Warrington Borough Transport until being promoted a year ago. He was suspended on April 23 and has now been dismissed following an investigation, believed to have involved inappropriate behaviour with a female colleague.
Company chairman Les Hoyle said: “I can confirm that following a thorough internal investigation, the employment of the Managing Director was terminated on Tuesday 2 June. This decision is however subject to appeal.
“Warrington Borough Transport is and remains committed to providing the best possible passenger transport service for everyone who lives, visits and does business in Warrington and our focus remains on delivering a high quality service to our customers.”
John Bannister had been Finance Director at Warrington Borough Transport for the last 22 years and was appointed Managing Director last year, 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 he was the best person for the job.
With a background in commercial accounting, he 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. He worked alongside Nigel’s predecessor George Hurst.
At the time of his appointment Coun Hoyle (pictured, left, congratulating him on his appointment) 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.”
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.
Warrington Borough Transport is one of the few remaining bus companies in the country owned by a local authority.
Last year the company won the highest accolade in the industry, UK Bus Operator of the Year.
More than 750 industry movers and shakers involved in the growing success of the UK’s bus industry attended a glittering ceremony in London to help celebrate WBT’s well-deserved win.
The local Warrington bus operator, which serves many areas including Lymm, Stockton Heath, Thelwall, Latchford and Burtonwood, beat off stiff competition from a shortlist of 11 bus operators in the UK to win the overall Bus Operator of The Year Awards as well as Shire Operator of the Year.
Current operations director Charlie Shannon has been handed the role of acting MD.