A Stirling taxi firm has been thrown a lifeline after a new operator agreed to save it by taking it over.
We told last week how Saturn Taxis had been set to cease trading on Christmas eve.
Saturn Taxis boss Mike Pain took the difficult decision to stop trading after more than 20 years.
However, this week a new operator agreed to take over the firm and continue operating.
Karen Ferguson and her partner Jan will take over the running of the organisation, with the name set to be changed from Saturn Taxis to A1bion Taxis.
Fallin-based Saturn was formed by Mr Pain in 2000 under the name Albion Taxis, before later undergoing a name change.
He said that a number of factors have contributed to his decision, including the impact on the business during the Covid lockdowns, when pubs and nightclubs were forced to shut their doors.
In addition, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has contributed to the company’s struggles.
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Mr Pain also said that difficulties maintaining driver numbers has also had a detrimental impact. In recent years, a number of drivers have left the company to take up positions as delivery drivers.
Karen this week said that they will try and maintain the driver numbers employed by the firm.
Jan currently works as a driver for Saturn and when he heard of the firm’s imminent demise the couple decided to step in and take over.
Karen this week said: “Jan had heard about Mike’s decision to close and retire and I had previously worked for the company as well. We decided to approach him and offered to take it over and he said yes.”
Mr Pain last week said that the number of drivers employed by the firm has halved due to drivers leaving for other jobs. Saturn employs around 15 drivers, down from 35 at its highest.
Mr Pain, 73, will now retire. He added: “I would like to thank a lot of people for their loyalty and consideration over the years.”
