Crawley could be left virtually without buses following the shock announcement the town's major operator is pulling out from April 1.

Arriva Southern Counties, which operates nearly 85 per cent of local buses, says it is no longer viable for the company to continue operating in Crawley.

It blames borough council plans to adjust the concessionary fares scheme for the elderly and disabled, which it says would have an effect on operating costs.

Emergency talks are under way with other bus companies to get another operator in before the deadline.

Arriva managing director Bob Scowen said: "Any transport services provider needs to ensure they are operating a sustainable network, one which will allow future growth and development.

"Unfortunately the routes we operate in Crawley are not allowing us to do that. We cannot make a commercial return and we simple cannot continue to operate them on that basis."

Crawley Council, which said it was fully reimbursing Arriva for journeys made under the concessionary scheme, is looking at asking pass-holders to pay a proportion of the fare.

Any reduction in council payment to the bus company would be limited by the increased fare to the passenger.

A town hall spokeswoman said unless a new company was found to take over the services it would have a drastic effect on business, people trying to get to work, children going to school and shoppers.

West Sussex County Council is holding urgent discussions with other operators.

A c spokesman said: "We are very concerned to learn that Arriva intends to withdraw its network of local bus services from the Crawley area.

"The company currently operates nearly 85 per cent of all local buses in Crawley and its decision will have a serious impact on local residents and the business community."

He added: "Arriva states this drastic course of action is necessary because its commercial bus service operations are no longer profitable.

"As a result, and in spite of a thriving local economy in the Crawley and Gatwick area, the bus network will cease to exist in its present form."

Crawley wll be left with only the Gatwick Direct service, which links Broadfield, Bewbush and Gossops Green with Horley and the airport.