THE owner of a private bus firm which faced an investigation from Warrington Borough Council (WBC) is on a mission to 'build its reputation back up'.

WBC launched an inquiry in January when residents complained about a number of Tansey's Coaches Ltd vehicles parked at the end of Bridge Road in Woolston.

Tansey's currently has its depot at Hardwick Grange, which it has been using since April, but uses a site on Bridge Road as a storage facility.

The investigation was to determine whether the company had been operating without a licence and officers continue to assess the situation.

A council spokesman said: "Concerns were raised about coaches and buses parked on the public highway in Woolston following the closure of a nearby operating base.

"Subsequent complaints were received from residents about the company using land off Bridge Road.

"A multi-agency meeting was held and an investigation carried out. The Traffic Commissioner's office were officially notified as part of the investigation.

"We are continuing to monitor the situation and to pass intelligence to the Traffic Commissioner's office to ensure ongoing compliance."

A spokesman confirmed the Traffic Commissioner for the north west does not have any 'investigatory powers' with respect to the parking of public service vehicles 'away from an authorised operating centre'.

The operator's licence held by Tansey's authorises the use of 10 public service vehicles.

But despite the concerns highlighted since the turn of the year Tansey's owner Dave Bennett is vowing to deliver for customers.

He said: "We have been at the new unit since April and are planning to continue running from Hardwick Grange.

"We have got two new apprenticeships here now, so we have 12 staff in total.

"We had some problems but we want to get past that and build the reputation back up."

The firm has also bought six new vehicles to enhance its day to day service.

Mr Bennett added: "It is something we have been aiming to do for a while – we have had it in the pipeline for 18 months but it took a bit longer than we hoped."