A BUS company's claim against a rival operator at Cwmbran Bus Station could have 'far-reaching' effects if it is successful, a court has heard.

A dispute between Red & White Services Ltd, parent company of Stagecoach, and Phil Anslow & Sons Coaches Ltd over access to bus stands at the town station has ended up in court.

At a pre-trial hearing at the Cardiff Civil and Family Justice Centre yesterday, the court heard there are seven to eight stands at the bus station.

The defendant, Phil Anslow and Sons Coaches, has fewer slots than the claimant, Red and White Services Ltd.

The court heard an argument arose about access to the bus stops and Red and White Services made a claim over alleged trespassing by Phil Anslow and Sons Coaches.

In response, Phil Anslow and Sons made a counter claim against Red and White Services and against Prudential, owners of the station, under competition law.

If the claim is successful it would mean the lease would be effectively void, the court heard.

Andy Creer, representing Red and White Services, said the case would have "important ramifications."

Ms Creer said Stagecoach had complied with a business market order and was operating within the law. But she said if the counter claim was successful it would potentially mean the lease is void and mean operating within the law was "immaterial" to wider abuse issues.

"It would be a ground-breaking case or decision if the whole lease is to be void," she said.

Ben Rayment, representing, Prudential, also said the case could have "wide-reaching effects" and affect his client's investment decisions.

Jennifer MacLeod, representing Phil Anslow and Coaches, said the counter claim was for between £80,000 and £120,000.

A 10-day trial date was set from July 2 next year if the issue is not resolved beforehand. A dispute arose over the budget for the case to be brought to trial.

Red and White Services and Prudential representatives estimated the cost at £1.5m.

But Ms MacLeod said the defendant was a family run business with limited net assets and that the monetary claim was 'disproportionate' to the trial cost.

Justice Birss ordered the budget was set at £800,000.