MacGregor asked to act over franchises
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by Gail Ashton • Transport secretary John MacGregor has been asked to investigate a freight and driving tuition firm accused of breaching franchise agreements with hauliers.
Renfrew West and Inverclyde MP Thomas Graham also plans to ask questions in the Commons about allegations made against Great Yarmouth-based Nationwide Haulage and Tuition, trading as Freight Train Nationwide. Graham's constituent, Jonathan Orr, from Lochwinnock, is one of five hauliers who have taken legal advice about their franchise contracts with Nationwide, which is owned by Roy Tripp.
They allege that the company failed to honour the terms of the contracts, and that they have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket. Driver Richard Close, who is deaf, claims to have lost all his savings of nearly £10,000 after voluntarily pulling out of a franchise agreement with Nationwide.
Norfolk police have received a "number of complaints" against Tripp but no action is being taken following investigation.
Tripp would only say that Nationwide is in receivership.