A long-established Cheshire coach operator is expanding its reach with a new depot on the outskirts of Chester.

Merediths of Cheshire has opened a new operating base near Tarvin, east of Chester city centre. The site will house 15 coaches and employ 15 drivers and operational staff, creating a hub that strengthens the company's presence close to the city.

The new location also opens up opportunities to serve a wider area, including Wirral and Merseyside.

"Merediths has served customers across Cheshire and the surrounding counties for many decades, so opening a new base closer to Chester is a natural step as the business continues to grow," said Neal Hall, managing director of Lakeside Group.

"Much of our work already takes place in and around the city, and this new location will allow us to operate more efficiently while giving us greater flexibility to serve customers across Cheshire and the wider region."

Established in 1935, Merediths operates a fleet of 25 coaches, providing private hire services and an extensive home-to-school transport network across Cheshire.

The Chester base reflects the growing proportion of Merediths' work in and around the city, and will enable the business to operate more efficiently while supporting further growth.

It will also enable services to operate across a broad geography, including links stretching from Chester through to Wolverhampton.

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Andrew Jarvis, managing director for Business & Coach Operations at First Bus, said: "Merediths of Cheshire is a well-respected operator with deep roots in the local community.

"This investment reflects our confidence in the business and our commitment to supporting its continued growth while maintaining the high standards the company is known for."

The new Chester base positions Merediths to continue expanding its private hire, contract and school transport services while offering customers across the region a high-quality coach travel option.