77483-28THE owners of a Swindon limo firm say the theft of one of their cars will not drive them out of business.

Richard Simpson, one of the partners in West One Stretch Limousines, says that while the theft of the £55,000-vehicle is annoying they will not let it get them down.

The American Ford Limousine, which had recently been re-sprayed from black to silver and was the only one of its kind in Swindon.

It was taken from the company premises in the Rivergate Industrial Estate in Westmead at around 9pm on May 5.

The Limo Nightclub Bus could accommodate 16 people.

It came complete with a dance pole, strobe lights, two plasma screens, karaoke machine and two bars.

There was also the optional extra of a male or female dancer.

Police found the vehicle burnt out at Barbury Castle an hour after it was taken.

Mr Simpson said: "It's a massive inconvenience but we will be looking to replace the vehicle with something even better as soon as possible."

The company, which set up three years ago, has nine other cars and the theft came at one of their busiest times of year during the school prom season.

The price of hiring the vehicle would vary on how long it was required and the distance travelled but it cost an average of £700-£800.

Mr Simpson said: "We are probably the biggest operator in Swindon and we would like to reassure people we will do our utmost to fulfil any contractual obligations.

"Obviously the car was rare.

"It's slightly more unusual than your average limousine.

"We are doing our best to give people alternatives when they have booked."

And West One manager Tony Turner said that it was the vehicle's rarity that had made it a target.

"You don't see many of them," he said. "That's why I think somebody wanted it.

"It's causing us problems because we had bookings for it but we are doing what we can.

"It was highly sought after.

"It was very popular with girls on hen nights wanting to get into the swing of things.

"All our vehicles are really popular but it was highly sought after because it was something different that people knew about.

"People would ring us and specifically ask for that one."

Anyone with information should contact PC Simon Talbot at Swindon Police

on 01793 528 111 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Gareth Bethell