PASSENGERS have raised concerns after a St Helens bus company has cancelled multiple services over several weeks.

In addition to the business' coach hire services, Hatton's provides bus services throughout St Helens, as well routes to Prescot, Kirkby, and Liverpool.

In recent weeks, Hatton’s has cancelled bus services on July 23, July 24, July 25, July 27, and July 30.

Disruption to services was also reported on Hatton services on June 26 and July 1.

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Understandably, the disruption has resulted in growing frustration as passengers have been made late for work or appointments, and some have been left completely unserved on certain routes.

Hatton’s, which has served St Helens customers since 1987, blamed the disruption on driver sickness and shortages, with some drivers alleged to have walked off mid shift.

Driver shortages is a national problem that has affected many operators, and Hatton's says it is “doing its best to get drivers in to ease the situation”.
 Passengers have raised concerns with the performance of Hatton'sPassengers have raised concerns with the performance of Hatton's (Image: St Helens Star)

Brian Hatton, director of Hatton's, said: "We are constantly trying to recruit more drivers, but there is a shortage nationwide and we never drop services without serious reasons, and [we] prioritise school services first.

“Unfortunately over recent weeks we have had drivers just walk off in the middle of shifts so [we] have had to scramble to get things covered as best we can.

“On top of this, we have had a bout of sickness which has massively affected us as we are in the middle of holiday season. We already have drivers on planned annual leave so we simply didn't have enough.

"Please rest assured that we don't take this lightly and are doing our best to get drivers in to ease the situation."