Parents of school children likely to be hit by the closure of Skipton’s Pennine Motors bus company next month are being reassured they will not be left high and dry.

North Yorkshire County Council says alternative arrangements will be made for children entitled to free school transport on Pennine buses.

It is also looking at taking on some of the bus company’s commercial routes.

In addition, bus operator Transdev says it will be increasing its services in and around the Skipton area.

Pennine, which operates 14 buses, confirmed last week that it would cease operating on Friday, May 16.

The Broughton Road-based family-run company, which has been going since 1925, said it could no longer cope with losses incurred through concessionary fares and increased competition on some of its routes.

Richard Jackson, Transdev’s development director, said: “We are greatly saddened to hear of the possible demise of such an established company. Unfortunately it seems the cuts that are currently being imposed across all public transport operators have had a dramatic effect on Pennine Motor service.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said: “The council wishes to reassure parents that when the company does cease trading, it will make alternative arrangements.”