ENVIRONMENT has strongly rejected claims that its road transport strategy was responsible for the collapse of the bus contract talks.

The department said it could not be blamed for the full tendering process not being set in motion.

‘It is no one’s fault,’ said an Environment spokesman.

‘Decisions have been taken over the years which seemed right at that time and those collective decisions put us in the position we are now in.

‘Island Coachways have operated services well through the years they have held the contract – the board has said it is sad to see it end this way.  ‘