A BUS service linking Halesowen to Hagley, Kidderminster and Stourport faces an uncertain future after Whittle Coach and Bus Ltd was put up for sale.

The company, which operates the 192 Stourport/Kidderminster/Halesowen service and host of Worcestershire services has been put on the market by Hull-based owners EYMS Group after years of operating losses.

If a buyer is not found 50 full time employees and several casual staff are in danger as bosses warned the company, which was founded in 1929, will cease trading.

Peter Shipp, EYMS chairman, said: “Despite big efforts over the last few years it has not been possible to reduce the losses and after a great deal of soul searching we have decided that we have no option but to try and sell the business.

“Whilst it has not worked for us, it could well be that for one or more other operators perhaps based in the area, there could be some synergies which would make the operation worthwhile and we are contacting anyone we think might be interested in buying all or part of the business.

"Neither Whittles nor EYMS Group is in actual financial difficulties so payments to suppliers and pay and all other monies due to our employees up to the date of sale or closure are not at any risk, and Whittles’ coach business will continue as normal at least until the end of the year.

He added: “This is a huge disappointment for me but, of course, it will be an even bigger disappointment for the staff at Whittles and we will be giving them every opportunity to talk to our managers in the next few weeks so they can discuss the issues which will undoubtedly affect them, and we will offer advice and practical help wherever we can.”

Whittle Coach and Bus Ltd has an annual turnover of almost £4m, split between local bus services, coach operations including day trips, private charter and holiday tours, and operations on contract to National Express.

EYMS took the company over from owner Ron Whittle in 2004.

As well as competition in both the bus and coach market, Mr Shipp said factors including the Government’s 20 per cent cut in Bus Operators’ Fuel Duty Subsidy in 2012, which had been in place since the 1960s, and pressures on local authority budgets have all added to the problems.