BOSSES behind a Hampshire bus firm have dismissed claims that they were set to be evicted from their depot.

Owners of Xelabus say the rumours were sparked after a “misunderstanding” with landlords.

Bosses of the company, which runs services in Eastleigh and Chandler’s Ford, claim the issue is “being resolved” and that their business is “running as usual”.

It comes after landlords reportedly issued a “notice of re-entry” letter to management at the bus depot in Barton Park industrial estate yesterday.

Based at the estate for the last seven years, hundreds of students from schools including the Hamble School, King’s School, Thornden School, Itchen Abbas Primary School are reliant on its services.

Managing Director and transport manager, Gareth Blair said: “I can confirm we did have an issue on Thursday morning due to a misunderstanding with our landlords.

“We have entered a new five-year agreement with them however there were admin issues between both parties solicitors.

“I’m pleased to say these are all now resolved and the unit is now operational

“All bus services are and have been running as normal and none of our passengers have been disrupted at all.

“I’m grateful to my team that we have operated a 100% service.

“Our offices are also open as normal for bus enquires and to claim lost property.”

The notice of re-entry letter stated that the landlord of the premises had recovered the premises and any lease or licence was ended.

It added that any attempt to enter the premises without the written authority from the landlord would result in criminal civil proceedings being taken.

The Echo has contacted landlords, Industrial Property Investment Fund and is awaiting a comment.

In January Xelabus decided to stop its 503 Thornden School morning service. The service was used by Valley Park students to get to school every morning. The bus company has continued its afternoon school service as normal.

Mr Blair previously told the Echo the company was scrapping the service due to a low usage.

Last year Xelabus welcomed three hybrid double-decker buses into its fleet. The buses reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35 per cent, compared to the company’s older and more polluting vehicles.

They are used on the Xelabus’ Itchen College bus service, as well as its X4 service between Hedge End and Eastleigh.