BUS drivers feel “cheated” out of their jobs after their firm served about 20 of them one-day’s redundancy notices – with some of them told by text.

Nibs buses in Wickford cut the roles last week after buying out Amber Coaches in February, a company that had served south Essex for more than 20 years, including bus routes and school runs to Basildon, Benfleet and Southend.

A spokesman for the drivers said: “Last week the staff were just told off the bat they no longer had jobs.

“A lot of these people have families to feed, and now they don’t have jobs or an income - they feel cheated.

“I know some drivers were told by text, others by the telephone.

“Some of my colleagues turned up to work that day and became suspicious when all of the coaches were still parked in the yard.

“They were told that they didn’t have jobs anymore.

“It’s sad and unfair for all of those who have lost their jobs.”

A statement from Nibs and Amber Coaches yesterday told how Amber Coaches will be placed into liquidation on Wednesday, April 19, although Nibs Buses will continue to trade.

Darren Wilson, of DKF Insolvency Limited, speaking on behalf of the company dealing with the the administration, said that Amber Coaches had “little choice” but to fold after trying to cope with mounting debt.

Stephen Nelson, who took ownership of Amber Coaches in February, said: “Amber Coaches wishes to sincerely apologise to its long-standing and loyal staff members – unfortunately there was no alternative.

“We further express regret that the decision to close will directly impact on members of the public and regular customers who relied on the services of Amber Coaches Limited.”

The Echo understands bus routes 11 between Basildon and Purfleet, 374 between Basildon and Grays and 12 between Wickford and Billericay will be axed.