We can’t afford a loan so 40 drivers are going

A FAMILY-RUN coach firm has been forced to lay off all 40 drivers, and is days from going bust without an urgent Government cash injection.

Dans Luxury Travel, based in Waltham Abbey, Essex, was established almost 50 years ago.

The firm’s drivers regularly transport schoolchildren as well as running coach trips to the likes of Glastonbury Festival and the Chelsea Flower Show.

But the effect of the outbreak on schools and social gatherings has seen all of their bookings cancelled.

Manager Amber Cox, 28, said: ‘Without urgent money we will go bust within days. There has been a feeling of absolute devastation over the last three or four days.

‘We have had absolutely no choice but to let off all of our drivers. When I heard the Chancellor was making an announcement I thought we would be saved but now we’re days away from pulling the plug. The business rates relief doesn’t apply to us and the loans are going to take too long to come through. Plus, we won’t be in a position to repay large loans if we haven’t made money all summer. We need money now. Today.’

Miss Cox said some form of Governmentbacked salary cover or universal income would allow the company to keep hold of some staff and then take on new bookings in the autumn.

She added that, fortunately, some drivers have been taken on by a nearby lorry firm which is running supermarket deliveries.

Dans Luxury Travel was founded by Dan Brown, 70, in 1974, with one minibus.

It has transported the Liverpool football team as well as offering coach holidays for the elderly across the UK and Europe.