WYCOMBE Bus Company which has faced criticism over poor services has been taken over by a national firm.

The company, which has operated in the town under various names since the 1920s, was taken over by along with its 52 buses and around 100 staff by Arriva on Wednesday for an undisclosed sum.

Arriva will take over the lease of The Octagon Bus Station and it is not thought that staff will lose their jobs as a result of the deal.

Some pensioners already appalled by the poor service say that with less competition passengers may see an increase in fares and end up footing the bill for the changes.

Alan Page, chairman of the High Wycombe branch of Pensioners Voice, said public transport had been discussed at a committee meeting of the group.

He said: "We had a meeting on Monday and there have been massive complaints concerning the existing service - one can only hope services will improve dramatically now it has been taken over.

"The fact is pensioners probably use public transport far more than any other group in society. We feel that the service in general was simply appalling. I think that with less competition there is a grave danger of an increase in cost. With less competition it gives them a free hand to charge what they like."

Cllr Peter Cartwright, (Con, Keep Hill and Hicks Farm), who is co-chairman of the district and county council joint transportation committee, said: "There have been a lot of buses cancelled lately by Wycombe Bus due to a chronic shortage of bus drivers.

"One thing that may come out of this is we may see some newer vehicles and they should provide a better service I should imagine."

David Shadbolt, spokesman for Arriva said that the Office of Fair Trading were consulted about the deal but did not feel it should be referred to a minister.

He said: "We see advantages now that Wycombe bus services will be provided by one operator. We can actually look at the network as a whole and plan co-ordinated services. We have no plans to immediately put fares up."