Readers have reacted to news that council-owned Newport Transport has been served with a compulsory strike-off notice after failing to file its accounts on time.
The Argus reported last week that Newport Transport Limited, which operates under the Newport Bus brand, had been issued with a First Gazette notice by Companies House after missing the deadline for its latest accounts.
The story prompted a flood of comments from readers, with many questioning the company’s financial management, its expansion outside Newport and the role of Newport City Council in overseeing its operations.
The notice concerns financial statements for the period ending March 30, 2025, which were due by June 26, 2026.
Reader Zac45 said: "Someone has taken their eye off the ball but easily fixed, if they get the accounts in ASAP.
"This company should however concentrate on providing services to the people of Newport and forget the likes of FlixBus and expansion into neighbouring council areas, after all it's owned by Newport Council, in other words Newport residents."
Others raised concerns about public funding being used to support services beyond the city’s boundaries.
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Jaxon200883 said: "Newport taxpayers are funding Newport Transport while it operates services in Monmouthshire, Gloucestershire and now Herefordshire."
The original Argus report also noted that Newport Transport continues to operate across Newport and Monmouthshire, alongside services in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.
Some readers focused on the missed deadline and administrative failings.
Lmspeaks was critical of the council, saying: "Who would have thought it? A council who has not a clue how to manage OUR money."
Jaxon200883 offered a more detailed analysis of the situation.
They wrote: "The next statutory accounts were due by 26 June 2026 and remain overdue.
"Companies House now records the company as 'Active — Active proposal to strike off'.
"A First Gazette notice for compulsory strike-off is the formal start of a legal dissolution process, not an informal 'hurry up' letter."
The same commenter also questioned the level of oversight from Newport City Council.
They wrote: "If the accounts are this overdue, how is anyone meant to know it's being run properly?
"Would be good to see the council explain what checks are in place before handing over more public money."
However, not all responses were negative.
Wattsville_boy said: "Yes it's poor form to fail to submit the last accounts in time, but I'm sure the strike-off notice is merely a 'hurry up' warning used by Companies House, rather than a concerned effort to close the company down."
Newport Transport previously told the Argus: "The publication of an administrative compulsory strike-off notice at Companies House should not, in itself, be interpreted as confirmation the company is at any risk of being dissolved.
"There have been some delays in the preparation of the company's March 2025 statutory accounts.
"These are currently being finalised and are expected to be filed shortly."
Newport City Council has declined to comment on the issue.
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