In an extraordinary rant, Sydney Hardy, 57, sacked all his staff and closed Yeovil-based Nippy Bus with no notice on Sunday (29 October). He claims to have appointed agents to liquidate its assets.

His callous actions left staff without jobs and pay, passengers on scheduled bus routes without transport and the Somerset County Council struggling to cover home-to-school routes.

First, South West Coaches and Taylor’s Coach Travel are among those who stepped in to try to fill the breach.

The company, incorporated in 2004, was not believed to be in financial trouble. Its last accounts to March 2016 showed it with net assets of £358,710 and its credit rating is very good.

The firm holds an O-Licence for 30 vehicles and is owned by the Hardy family, which also owns dormant firms Nippy Cars and Nippy Cabs.

In part of the message to staff Mr Hardy said: “I have had enough and realise I cannot work with you, the people I employ, a moment longer.

“I am quitting to pursue my dream of not having to work here.”

“All staff should consider themselves dismissed/redundant. The gates are now closed and will not open.”

The firm’s website and Twitter feeds have both closed; routeone was unable to contact Mr Hardy.