The body representing bus and coach industry passengers, Bus Users has written a strong letter to the local government minister to support the coach industry’s case to be regarded as part of the leisure sector when it comes to consideration for government support during the crisis.

Bus Users Claire Walters said in an open letter to Under-Secretary of State, Luke Hall MP: “Millions of UK residents take holidays, day trips and short breaks by coach every year to a wide range of attractions and cities in the UK.

“All such holidays and excursions help people, especially those who have retired for age or health reasons, to stay connected with friends and avoid the social isolation which is all too prevalent in that group.

“We need there to be a viable coach industry on the other side of this crisis. Losing such businesses would disproportionately impact on older and more vulnerable members of our society so I would ask you to urgently reconsider the stated position that coaches do not form part of the leisure industry and allow coach operators to receive appropriate support from government sources.”

Read the full text of the letter here