'We'll have to sell the buses'

David Bentley, received the letter in a reply to Coopers & Lybrand, after pointing out that he owned the 835 trolleybus, housed at Transperience at Low Moor, Bradford, and had first option to buy it back.

In the letter, administrator Owen Claxton writes: "Unfortunately, various schemes that we have tried to retain the Transperience museum have failed and we are now in a position where we will have to sell off the exhibits and vehicle collection.

"There remains a possibility that the vehicles will be sold as a collection to another museum operator or similar in the locality."

The announcement has caused outrage among supporters of the save our classic buses appeal which is being backed by the Telegraph & Argus .

Graham Mitchell, of Keighley Bus Museum, said: "It is has always been the thrust of the campaign to keep the collection together, accessible and to keep the vehicles in the district."

He said such a decision would fly in the face of the T&A, Government minister Mark Foster, Gerry Sutclife MP, Ann Cryer MP, Keighley Bus Museum and a mass of supporters

Mr Mitchell said: "If Coopers & Lybrand allow an organisation which has no interest in the buses in buy Transperience all our efforts will be wasted."

Mr Sutcliffe said: "I am obviously concerned, I hope that the new owners of the site understand the public feeling over the concern of the buses and safeguard the collection. "

Administrator Owen Claxton said he could not promise the collection would go to a museum but the company would be happy to talk to enthusiasts about a rescue package.

He stressed anyone who had proof of ownership of the buses should come forward.

Coopers & Lybrand are understood to be on the verge of announcing who is to buy the 11-acre site.

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