Blackpool Transport backs campaign to save coach companies in coronavirus crisis

Blackpool Transport has thrown its weight behind a campaign to get more aid for struggling coach companies amid the coronavirus crisis.
By Tim Gavell
Published 29th Nov 2020, 15:45 BST
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The Wish You Could Hear campaign, launched by specialist insurance broker, McCarron Coates, uses a typical seaside postcard image and play on the traditional greeting holidaymakers sent home.

Jane Cole, managing director of Blackpool Transport and the new president of the NW Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, who will also become president of the Confederation of Passenger Transport in the New Year, has now shown her support.

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Jane and colleague, James Carney, finance and commercial director of Blackpool Transport, staged a photo-call with Jill and Mary Walton, of Walton Coaches, based in Freckleton, in front of Blackpool Tower, to help raise the profile of the campaign.

James Carney and Jane Cole from Blackpool Transport with, Jill and Mary Walton of Waltons CoachesJames Carney and Jane Cole from Blackpool Transport with, Jill and Mary Walton of Waltons Coaches
James Carney and Jane Cole from Blackpool Transport with, Jill and Mary Walton of Waltons Coaches

The postcard features the words “Having a truly torrid time. Probably won’t be back next year.” It calls on MPs to lobby to save coaching firms.

Jane Cole, said: “We are delighted to support this campaign, as coach operators need urgent assistance. 2020 has been devastating for the coach sector, with many family firms having already closed down.

"We must save a sector on which so many of us rely, whether it is to get our children to school, to provide us with leisure and holiday options, or to transport us to sports matches. Coach operators have been the forgotten victims of the pandemic and that needs to change.”

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The McCarron Coates activity is providing support to the coach sector’s own ‘Honk for Hope’ campaign which visited Blackpool earlier this year as a coach convoy, and Honk for Hope organisers are also encouraging use of the postcards.

The Wish you Could Hear campaign is urging MPs to lobby for more aid for coach and bus companiesThe Wish you Could Hear campaign is urging MPs to lobby for more aid for coach and bus companies
The Wish you Could Hear campaign is urging MPs to lobby for more aid for coach and bus companies

McCarron Coates director, Paul Coates, said: “We thank Blackpool Transport and Jane Cole personally for their support.

"With the backing of influential industry figures like Jane, we hope more operators will make use of our postcard and help the industry to be heard.”

Anyone wishing to have cards, or an e-card, or find out more can email [email protected] or call 0113 298 3489.

Blackpool Gazette:

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