Fears that closure could be the end of the road for well-known Red Bus Cafe

IT HAS been a landmark for roadusers on the A64 for decades and now fans of the Red Bus Cafe on the outskirts of West Yorkshire hope new owners can be found after it closed over the weekend.

Tony Walker and his family confirmed they are leaving the converted 1968 double-decker bus which has been a much loved and familiar sight for motorists on York Road near Bramham for generations.

They admitted that the venture had not been able to turn a profit since taking it over 15 months ago due to the high running costs.

The Walkers said: “Due to circumstances, and with a heavy heart, today (Sunday) is the last day of service for Red Bus Cafe.

“We’ve been here since June last year, and it’s been a crazy 15 months. We’d like to thank all our customers, regular and not, for the laughs, patience and loyalty.

“We close our doors for the last time this afternoon, and wish any successors the best of luck.”

Whether a new tenant or buyer is in the pipeline is unclear but locals and visitors said they hoped one could be found.

Samina Anwar said: “Always knew you were nearly back home from the seaside when you saw this bus.”

Maggie Collins said: “I hope someone takes it on. Such an iconic landmark, happy memories for so many people, so sad to see it go.”

Louise Dillon added: “We need someone else to run it, it would be sad to see it go after all the years it’s been there.”

The part of the layby where the bus stands is on private land owned by the trustees of the Viscounts Pollington.

As well as commuters and hungry daytrippers, the bus, which was well known for its big breakfasts, has had a few famous faces visiting too.

Steve Halliwell, the actor who plays Zak Dingle in soap

filmed in and around Leeds, has been known to pop in for a bacon butty. It was also once dubbed one of the UK’s best cafes by a national newspaper.