THE police have become involved in the shock collapse of local bus operator WebberBus.

The company folded suddenly last month with about 120 staff losing their jobs.

The company was launched more than 50 years ago in West Somerset before moving to a new depot in Bridgwater. Only five months ago it announced it was opening a new depot at Rylands Business Park, Rockwell Green, creating 16 driving jobs.

Now police are investigating the business regarding alleged financial irregularities after Somerset County Council referred the circumstances of its closure to them.

A police statement said: “An allegation of financial irregularity involving a transport company has been reported to our economic crime team, who will be looking into the matter.”

Followng the collapse of the firm, 120 staff – including drivers, workshop and administration workers – lost their jobs.

A spokesman for Begbies Traynor, a specialist business rescue company drafted in following WebberBus’ demise, confirmed the company had now been formally placed into administration.

But the spokesman added he was unaware of any investigation surrounding the company.

Cllr David Fothergill, cabinet member for highways and transport at the county council, confirmed it had referred the case to the police.

He said: “We cannot give any detail but I can say that following WebberBus ceasing to operate we have referred the case to the police.

“I can also confirm that no member of county council staff has been investigated or implicated in this case.”

Speaking at the time of the closure, Labour county councillor for Bridgwater South, Leigh Redman, described the news as ‘devastating’.

Local operator The Buses of Somerset is assisting the county council to help keep the routes, which include a number of school bus services, running.

Following the closure, local MP Rebecca Pow said: “My sympathies go out to all those whose jobs are affected by this news.”