Newark coach operator Travel Wright confirms it will shut up shop after nearly 100 years of family business

A Newark coach operator just short of 100 years old has confirmed it will close this year.

Travel Wright, on Jessop Close, will shut up shop for good in April as its managing director looks to retire.

The company made the announcement on its Facebook page today (Wednesday).

"We are very sorry to officially confirm Travel Wright will be closing for business on Sunday, April 3," it read.

"Up until that date ALL of our bus services, contracts, excursions (including Wicked on April 6), holidays and private hire bookings will operate as normal.

"May we take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for all the lovely messages we have received both on here and from people popping in to see us — it is humbling to know Travel Wright have been so appreciated and well liked over the years.

"We will certainly be taking with us some very happy memories — it has been a pleasure serving the people of Newark and its surrounding areas.

"David, Colin & Paula & all the staff at Travel Wright."

Managing director David Wright announced the plans for closure earlier this month after trying to find a buyer to continue the business which, sadly, didn't happen.

Now the county council is looking to ensure the loss of bus and coach services will be replaced.

Formed as Wright & Sons on Lincoln Road in 1926 by Charles Wright and his sons Frank and Leslie, the company has remained a family business since then.

Originally, the business operated buses without the luxury of any glass windows — the first service running between Newark and Ollerton, which is still in operation today.At this time, Lincoln Road was the main A46 (before the bridge over the railway was built) and the business sold petrol to much passing trade.

During the difficult war years, the company was involved in many troop movements and services to the local airfield. By the mid 1960s, Leslie had left the business to Frank who was joined by his son Terry after he had served his apprenticeship at Shipsides and returned from National Service.

The company continued to grow steadily and began operating holidays during the late 1960s. These, along with the express services operated to Torquay, Bournemouth and Great Yarmouth, proved to be an instant hit.

'Works fortnight' during late July/early August, which is when manufacturing would traditionally shut down so the workforce could have a holiday, was always a very busy time for Travel Wright as Newark's industry virtually closed and many did not own cars.

During the 1980s, Terry was joined by all three of his children — David, Paula and Colin, who all remain with the company today.

In the early years of the 21st Century, it became obvious the business had outgrown its Lincoln Road site and the decision was taken to relocate to a purpose-built premises in August 2005. The modern workshop facility even had inside toilets.

Today, Travel Wright operates around 30 buses/coaches.

Travel Wright will close on April 3.