AN121 was delivered
to new London Country Bus Services Limited on 18th April 1974 and allocated
to the following depots:
May 1974
East Grinstead (EG)
Jan 1982
Reigate (RG) - East Grinstead Depot closed
Jun 1982
Harlow (HA)
In September 1986,
deregulation of the NATIONAL Bus Company took place and Companies were split
into smaller units ready for sale. London Country Bus Services Limited,
was the largest NATIONAL Bus Company subsidiary and was split into 4 separate
Companies: London Country North West, London Country North East, London
Country South West and Kentish Bus (South East). London Country
North East had its Head Office in Caxton Hill, Hertford which was responsible
for Depots based in Grays, Harlow, Hatfield, St Albans and Stevenage.
There was also a Depot approximately 10 minutes walk from Caxton Hill in Fairfax
Road, Hertford.
Jan 1987
Grays (GY)
Aug 1987
Stevenage (SV) - Loan only
Sep 1987
Grays (GY)
Sep 1988
Training Duties at Grays (GY)
Oct 1988
Training Duties at St Albans (SA)
London Country North
East experienced major difficulties which resulted in a strike which lasted 10
days in January 1988. Drivers returned to work on 9th February 1988.
In fact, LCNE was the last of the former NATIONAL Bus Company subsidiaries to be
sold. Finally, the Company gained TWO owners, Parkdale Holdings, which was
responsible for the Properties and the Alan Stephenson Group, responsible for
Operations. The Group wanted to rid itself of "London Country"
as quickly as possible and on 1st January 1989, LCNE was split in half and
became County Bus & Coach Company Limited, with Depots at Harlow, Hertford
and Grays (Head Office at Harlow). Sovereign Bus & Coach Company
Limited was responsible for the remaining three Depots at Hatfield, St Albans
and Stevenage.
Jan 1989
Training Duties at Stevenage (SV)
Mar 1989
Withdrawn and sold to Chris Wall for preservation
AN121 had two major
overhauls. These took place in July 1981 and in May 1984.
The vehicle's seats were last
re-upholstered in June 1982.
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