THE owner of bus company Faresaver wants Chippenham Town Council to work more closely with him in the future to help secure future services in and around the town.

Company founder John Pickford told the full council: “I’m a sole trader not a limited company so everything rests on our shoulders.

“Every town in Wiltshire has a bus service but Chippenham is the only town in Wiltshire running the services with no subsidy from anyone.

“I asked this council for a small amount of money, £15,000, to install reduced services but we were turned down by the council.”

The company employs more than 100 people and operates a number of services including the Pewsham service which began in September.

“During June before we went to Pewsham we had 2,679 passengers,” added Mr Pickford, whose sons Justin and Daniel also run Faresaver.

Mr Pickford, whose sons Justin and Daniel also run the company, said they have gained 500 passengers despite cuts to many services.

“We are 500 passengers up despite having to cut the rest of the town services by 50 per cent.

“There’s a need for this council to be involved in bus operations. Chippenham is almost a poor relation in this regard. I hope in the future we might be able to work together.”

Councillor Mark Packard replied: “Buses are important as our residents need them.”