A PROPOSAL by First Scotland East to axe all its bus services in East Lothian and shut its Musselburgh depot has been branded “a huge blow” to the local economy.

All First’s operations will cease in the county from August 14, including closure of the Musselburgh and North Berwick depots, if the scheme goes ahead.

The company claimed that its operations in East Lothian “have not been viable for a number of years, despite working hard to turn the business around and attract sufficient customers in what has become an increasingly competitive market”.

First also confirmed it has started the collective consultation process with trade unions on the proposed closure of Musselburgh and North Berwick bus depots, with redundancies expected among the workforce based across both locations and in supporting roles, if the proposal is implemented. A total of 88 positions are classed as ‘at risk’.

Paul McGowan, managing director of First Scotland East, said: “I’m disappointed that we’re proposing to withdraw from Musselburgh and North Berwick.

“We will engage with the local authority on the future of bus services.

“However, given there are other bus operators that operate in and around the area, I’m confident if we decide to go ahead with these proposals the majority of our customers won’t be left without a service.”

Currently, Musselburgh is also served by a number of Lothian Buses services, including the 26 and 44.

Colin Beattie, SNP MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, is now set to raise the issue with the Scottish Government to see what urgent support could be given to the workers who are facing possible redundancy.

He said: “I am extremely frustrated and disappointed at this news. My first thoughts are with all the workers who will be affected by this.

“I understand the commercial pressures First East Scotland are under but rather than try to make the East Lothian depots work they merely wash their hands of them.

“This is also terrible news for the residents in Musselburgh and beyond who make use of public transport, especially in light of the difficulties caused during peak hour rail travel.”

Councillor Stuart Currie, a member for Musselburgh East and Carberry and leader of the SNP Group on East Lothian Council, said: “These jobs will be lost to the town. This is going to have a huge impact and will be a huge blow to the local economy. This is a big employer in the heart of Musselburgh.”

He stressed that there would be fewer buses for passengers to enable them to get to work. The loss of jobs, he added, would have a knock-on effect on business in the town as depot employees shopped locally for goods.

“My heart goes out to staff who are under consultation about redundancy,” said Mr Currie, who claimed the firm had “let down” the workforce and residents.

He is also calling for urgent talks with First Scotland East to find out its plans for the prime town centre site at The Mall, where the depot is located.

Mr Currie feared the premises could “fall into disrepair”, adding: “The old Tesco site lay empty for years, which was a disgrace in the middle of town.”

Councillor John McNeil, Labour member for Musselburgh West, said staff from the depot and bus drivers gathered on the banks of the River Esk to discuss the “shock” news this week.

He added: “You could tell they were really, really concerned for their jobs. There will be people from all over East Lothian who work for First.

“It will be a great loss to a lot of elderly people and those who use the bus to get to the school. This will be an issue for the council and it will be in discussion with all the bus providers in East Lothian.”

Mr McNeil said the First plan would affect the 106 from Edinburgh to Haddington and 124 to North Berwick, which passed through Musselburgh. He voiced concern about transport for passengers wishing to go to North Berwick on a day trip or raise issues at the council offices in Haddington.

John Caldwell, independent member for Musselburgh East & Carberry, said: “It will be a sad day for East Lothian should First go ahead with these proposals.

“The depot in Musselburgh has been a prominent feature in the town for a number of years.

“The loss of jobs will be a serious concern; however, the loss of this public service will also create a significant blow to passengers who rely on these services to travel daily to their place of work.”

Barry Turner, chairman of RELBUS, the East Lothian bus users’ campaign group, said: “This decision comes as no surprise. We expected that when the company was released from certain undertakings it would want to seriously consider its position in East Lothian.

“RELBUS has been concerned for some time about First’s performance and reliability locally, having received numerous representations from local users. East Lothian has unfortunately been the poor relation in First’s operations, with many elderly buses that are not conducive to attracting or retaining passengers.”

Mr Turner, an Inveresk resident and retired town planner, added: “There will be a RELBUS meeting shortly to discuss the implications of First’s announcement and we will work closely with the council, Bus Users Scotland and other operators with a view to ensuring that First’s services are replaced with something which meets travel needs across East Lothian in an efficient, reliable and attractive manner.”

Councillor John Williamson, SNP member for Musselburgh West, added: “I am shocked to say the least. The proposal does not leave a lot of time for the council to try and get other operators to fill the gap that will be left.

“From the tone of the letter advising of this proposal it seems unlikely that there will be any change of heart and it is a done deal. My thoughts are with the staff who will be affected by this decision and I hope that as many as possible will be able to find work with whichever operators take on routes in East Lothian.”

Councillor Fraser McAllister, SNP member for Musselburgh West, added: “Garage staff have been very badly let down. This is the company that just before the last local government election played divide and rule party politics with their demands for greater council subsidies. Even with a long subsidised monopoly on the Scottish rail network, rightly lost to Abellio last year, they were unable to sustain a viable business.”