MERSEYTRAVEL has secured "emergency provision" to take over school bus services in the borough after bus provider Halton Transport went into administration.

Pupils at St Cuthbert's Catholic High School, De La Salle Catholic High School and Cowley International College were unable to get to school on time in the past two days after issues with Halton Transport buses.

Today the company announced that it has gone into administration.

Merseytravel has secured emergency provision to take on school routes affected.

Commenting on this, a Merseytravel spokesperson said: "Halton Transport have ceased to operate bus services. Merseytravel has secured emergency provision and school services previously operated by Halton Transport on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will now be operated by Stagecoach from Monday 27th January 2020.

"This is an interim measure whilst we secure more long term provision."

Arriva has also announced that it will now be providing new services in Runcorn and Widnes from Monday following the news.

For the next two weeks all valid Halton tickets will be accepted on all Arriva services in Halton and throughout the wider Merseyside area.

More information about routes can be found arrivabus.co.uk/halton2020.