A bus company is facing a public inquiry over its services.

The safety record, quality of service and financial position of Eastbourne Buses Ltd are all expected to come under the microscope.

The company has been called to answer questions before the Government's traffic commissioner.

A report by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency says the firm has failed to operate its services in accordance with its licence, with some routes either not meeting their timetable or not running at all.

The hearing is taking place in Eastbourne on Wednesday.

The commissioner is also due to consider the company's conviction for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

The firm was fined £25,000 after a fitter was injured at its depot in Birch Road, Eastbourne.

Richard Gander, 61, suffered broken ribs, a damaged heart muscle and lung injuries when an engine he was working on fell on him.

The accident left him in hospital for six weeks.

In September 2006 bus driver Roy Trundell, 62, of Solway, Hailsham, died when a bus reversed into him as he transferred from one vehicle to another.

A Health and Safety Executive investigation into that accident is still under way.

Eastbourne Buses Ltd's books will also come under scrutiny at tomorrow's hearing.

The traffic commissioner has the power to revoke or suspend the firm's licence, fine the company or ban it from operating local bus services.

He can act if evidence comes to light which casts doubt upon the operator's good repute, maintenance standards, financial standing and professional competence.

The public inquiry is taking place in the Court Room, Ivy House, Ivy Terrace, Eastbourne, from 10am on Wednesday.