A coach firm's contract to transport youngsters to and from school has been permanently axed.

The News & Star revealed earlier this month how the county council had temporarily suspended the contract with 3D Travel after a number of faults were found on coaches.

The temporary move has now been made permanent and discussions are taking place to find a replacement operator.

The Cleator Moor firm transports people to several sites – including schools and disabled day centres – in Copeland.

Following a routine inspection earlier this month, coaches owned by the company were found to have defective brakes, tyre damage, a fuel leak and an insecure door.

Frustrated parents contacted the paper saying they were left in the dark about what had taken place and the council has now sent out a letter explaining the situation.

The council has apologised to parents and carers for "any uncertainty or disruption" the change in arrangements has made.

A council spokesman has now confirmed the move is no longer temporary and the contract has been axed.

He said: "Following an on-site inspection by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), the council was advised of maintenance issues with buses operated by 3D Travel, one of our contracted school transport providers.

"The council immediately suspended all routes operated by 3D Travel, and alternative arrangements were out in place.

"As always, our priority has been to ensure the safety and well-being of children."

He added that the taxi services operated by 3D Travel are not affected.

Alternative coaches were immediately put on to take pupils to school and arrangements are due to be in place for the schools starting back after the half-term break.

A parent whose child attends West Lakes Academy said he was upset with the situation.

"This is certainly not the type of firm I would like my child to continue to travel with," he said.

"I cannot believe Cumbria County Council give their contracts to companies like this.

"If DVSA hadn't made the spot check when they did, there could have been a serious accident and some vehicles have the capacity to hold 70 passengers."

The five sites where DVSA inspectors carried out assessments on 14 vehicles are West Lakes Academy at Egremont, Whitehaven Academy, St Benedict's School in Whitehaven, Hensingham Day Centre and the Copeland Occupational and Social Centre at Cleator Moor.