STAGECOACH has announced plans to cut its Welsh bus fleet by 10 per cent and is in talks with trade unions about the proposed closure of a depot which employs 77 staff.

The company has previously warned a plan by the Welsh Government to reduce the budget of its concessionary travel scheme would result in services being withdrawn and jobs being lost.

The transport giant said the Brynmawr depot, where 30 vehicles operate from, could close from July while a number of routes will be cancelled or operate with reduced frequency.

According to Stagecoach Monmouthshire will be the worst affected area in terms of the number of services affected.

John Gould, managing director of Stagecoach in South Wales, said he deeply regretted having to make the cuts.