THERE are hopes that coach operators might turn their backs on the M5 service stations and instead head off the motorway for stops in Wellington.

Cllr Keith Wheatley told members of Wellington Town Council’s economic development committee on February 11 that he had spoken with the Guild of British Coach Operators about the idea of using the town as a ‘rest stop’ for passengers on journeys.

He said: “Early in the summer last year I remember a load of football fans from Northampton Town had stopped off in Wellington on their way to a match against Exeter or Plymouth.

“I discovered that instead of stopping at the M5 services, the coach driver had decided to come to Wellington instead.

“There is a steady stream of coaches coming down the motorway during the summer and so I contacted the Guild of British Coach Operators and suggested to them about using Wellington as a stop-off place.

“The M5 can be a car park during the summer at the best of times and the service stations are often overflowing.

“We have a newly-refurbished coach stop in Wellington and there are plenty of cafes nearby for passengers.”

The Guild of British Coach Operators was formed in 1985 and represents more than 25 of the UK’s main coach companies.

It represents a fleet of about 800 coaches and even if a small percentage of them stopped-off in Wellington to break up a journey on the M5, it would have economical advantages for the town.

The Wellington coach stop is in Longforth Road at the entrance to the main car park and by the time the holiday season kicks in new public toilets adjacent to the parking facilities should be open for people to use – which would be an extra incentive for coach firms to use the area.