A POOLE bus and coach company has gone into administration.

Roadliner Passenger Transport had been facing compulsory liquidation after HM Revenue and Customs filed a winding- up petition over unpaid tax back in May.

But less than 24 hours before the petition was due to be heard in the High Court, creditors Barclays Bank stepped in and Philip Watkins and Philip Armstrong of Vantis plc were appointed joint administrators.

Mr Armstrong told the Echo: “The bank took precipitative action as it didn’t want the company to be liquidated. As administrators we are looking to continue to trade while seeking a buyer to buy the business as a going concern.”

He added: “No one has been made redundant as yet.”

Roadliner, which has some 25 members of staff, will continue providing services for its existing customers, which include Borough of Poole.

Nick Phillips, accessibility team leader, at the council, said: “We are aware that Roadliner, the company operating the Rossmore Flyer on the council’s behalf, has been experiencing cash flow problems.

“We are very pleased with the service they have provided since 2006, which has resulted in a huge increase of passengers using it.

“Although we are unsure of Roadliner’s future, we will ensure this vital service through Rossmore remains on the road.”

Roadliner was founded by managing director Mark Self in 2001 and incorporated in 2003.

The company has been known for its maverick style which included posting a saucy advert on the back of the Rossmore Flyer with a bikini-clad babe and the catch line: “It’s the ride of your life.”

They also floated the idea of bringing Asian-style tuk-tuks to Swanage in January 2007.

Last month the Echo reported how vandals caused £3,000 of “wilful damage” to eight of the fleet of coaches when they were parked overnight at the Roadliner depot on the Nuffield Estate.

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