Depot doors closed

The bus gathering day has been running for five years and has attracted thousands of people to the town each year to see vintage buses from all over the country, many of them offering free bus rides.

"I just want to assure everyone that we didn't arrive at this decision lightly, but you simply cannot do anything without money," explained the event's founder Trevor Hockham.

"I feel that I have failed, I have so many mixed feelings about it. It's a shame, but it cannot be done without finances."

Trevor wanted to thank everyone in the town who had supported the event, including advertisers, sponsors and, of course, the public who attended and created such a wonderful atmosphere.

The event has cost, on average, 8,000 to stage every year and has suffered from a combination of money problems, including rising costs, lack of donations and a cut in sponsorship.

Trevor personally stumped up 2,500 towards costs every year and simply cannot afford to carry on contributing in this way.

Public liability insurance trebled last year and there were extra costs to be met to implement extra safety measures needed to ensure the event was staged lawfully.

It had been hoped that most of the money to cover the costs would come from programme sales, competitions and a raffle held on the day.

"Even though our local press coverage was excellent this year, people failed to be motivated to purchase the souvenir programme.

"Less than 50 were sold around the town in advance. I constantly hear complaints about the 33p cover price and, although it was not a compulsory purchase, it was hoped peope would look upon this as a small contribution to an otherwise totally free day out for all the family."

"Although I appreciate that thousands of visitors to the event have enjoyed themselves and have, no doubt, contributed where they can, the event helpers also suffered many abusive and unfounded complaints this year, which does not encourage them to volunteer again."

Trevor explained how the law prevented orgnanisers from charging people for the bus rides, which immediately restricted the amount of money they would be able to raise on the day.

He also explained that many of the local businesses which had supported the event were unable to continue doing so. Of those that could, many halved their contributions. Trevor also said that the Littlehampton Town Council grant of 1,000 didn't even cover the costs of advertising the event.

He added: "I repeat my thanks to all the supporters and visitors but, alas, the Littlehampton Bus Gathering has reached its terminus."