Pembrokeshire-based Silcox Coach Company, which operates school transport as well as local bus services, has been placed into administration today (Monday).

Despite attempts by administrators from Sheffield-based Wilson Field to secure a buyer with various interested parties, the 134-year-old company, which operated a fleet of 65 coaches and buses from its base in Pembroke Dock, has now ceased trading.

Insolvency practitioners Kelly Burton and Joanne Wright from Wilson Field Limited were appointed by shareholders after the company experience financial difficulties and as a result all 92 staff jobs have been made redundant.

However in the region of 50 staff have been re-employed by Edwards Coaches of Pontypridd who have been granted the local authority contracts previously operated by Silcox.

Kelly Burton, director and insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field said: “Silcox Coaches was a fourth generation bus and coach operator and over the years provided various forms of transport services latterly focussing local authority community bus routes, school services, coach hire and coaching holidays.

“The company had an excellent reputation within the industry, the local community and its clients. Initially there were a number of parties interested in buying the business and assets and we had hoped to save all the jobs of the loyal workforce.

"Sadly, despite our best efforts none of these came to fruition. On the positive side, Edwards Coaches of Pontypridd have re-employed approximately 50 of those staff ”

As well as office accommodation in Pembroke Dock, Silcox also occupied a small travel office in Tenby and a large bus and coach compound near the offices in Pembroke Dock.

Silcox Managing Director, Keith Silcox said: "It is the end of an era for the family business which started in 1882 in Pembroke Dock. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the customers who have supported us over the years, some families have travelled with us for generations. 

"I would also like to thank the dedicated staff who have supported the company over the years’.

Edwards Coaches is the largest family owned coach company in Wales employing over 500 staff and operating 260 vehicles. It currently operates National Express coaches from Haverfordwest departing daily to Cardiff, Heathrow, Gatwick London and various other destinations plus transportation for over 8000 students to school or college each day from bus depots all over South Wales.

It also operates coach holidays for 80,000 passengers a year across the UK and Europe and operates The Edwards’ Red Dragon coach which is the official carrier of the Wales Rugby Team.

Travellers who have booked and pre-paid for a holiday with Silcox may be entitled to a refund and should contact either Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) e-mail: bch@cpt-uk.org or The Confederation of Passenger Holidays UK (CPT) Tel: 020 7240 3131