September’s Flintshire Real Ale trail cancelled following the collapse of GHA buses

Organisers of the popular Flintshire Ale Trail have been forced to cancel Septembers event after the collapse of transport company GHA Coaches left them with no transport.

The news comes as a disappointment to pubs involved and to those who had already purchased tickets.

People have now been told they must go back to the local pubs where they purchased tickets for a refund.

‘We had a bus company set to replace GHA Coaches but 2 weeks before the event was due the company was not contactable’ said Shelly Barratt, Flintshire Real Ale Trail Organiser and so we sought to pull together other buses but could not make up the number of buses needed to deliver the service.

‘We have spent over 2 weeks trying to source another bus company in order to run the Real Ale Trail and are very sorry that we have not been able to secure it’ added John Les Tomos The Oak Hendre ‘The second bus company pulling out so close to the date of the event has meant that no other bus company is available at such short notice.’ ‘GHA have clearly left a gap in transport needs of the area.’

Flintshire Ale Trail representatives contacted bus companies from as far as the Wirral, Snowdonia and Oswestry to no avail.

Flintshire Ale Trail now in its 7th year and is organised by the Flintshire Tourism Association, cancelling the event has big impact for the area as the days events bring investments to the local economy which will now not happen.

Sarah Norton said on Real Ale Trail Flintshire Facebook Page ‘This is gutting!! Was really looking forward to it!!’

Others are asking for an appeal on the decision, ‘ This is such as a good day that really supports rural trade’ said Claire Turner.

Real Ale Trail Flintshire started in 2009 and has since supported rural economy, small businesses and social cohesion.

‘The decision to cancel the event was not taken lightly but we are now looking ahead and planning April 2017 Real Ale Trail’ said John Les Tomos The Oak Hendre, ‘If there are any bus companies in the area that would like to consider next year’s Real Ale Trail, then please get in touch’.