BOURNEMOUTH council's failed attempt to sell Yellow Buses has been met with disbelief and derision by industry experts.

The news that Transport Minister Alistair Darling has refused to approve the sale of Yellow Buses to Transdev has been described as a "horrible mess" by magazine routeONE.

And the three other main bus magazines have also devoted pages to the complaint by Excelsior boss Ken Robins.

It's widely believed that the bidding process will have to start all over again and that Transdev could substantially reduce its offer in light of the increased competition from rival company Wilts & Dorset.

An editorial comment piece in routeONE with the headline "Bournemouth Fudge" derided Bournemouth council's "blundering" and Cllr Adrian Fudge's subsequent efforts to explain the situation.

Deputy editor Mel Holley wrote: "It's a horrible mess with the staff and passengers of Yellow Buses stuck in the middle and they deserve much better than this from their elected representatives."

The magazine Coach and Bus Week quotes Mr Robins as saying it is the "biggest cock-up in Bournemouth for 20 years".

The council has issued a statement on the latest position, which reads: "We are very mindful of the need to minimise any further uncertainty for the customers and staff of Yellow Buses.

"We are also seeking to obtain the best possible deal for the council tax payers of Bournemouth.

"Whilst we believe that the process we have adopted so far is correct, we accept that the Department of Transport has expressed concern that the process to date might potentially be flawed.

"We are therefore working to amend the sales process to meet the department's concerns.

"We hope to conclude the revised sale process as speedily as possible, so that the sale is done in a fair and proper manner - as has always been our intention."

First published: August 16, 2005