The Shires (LDT Limited) buses at The Square, Dunstable – 2 Jun 1997 (358-12)

Monday 2 June 1997 (approx. 1400) – The Shires (LDT Limited) buses seen in The Square at Dunstable. The earlier Luton and District red and cream livery was being replaced by a more striking yellow, blue and grey with local fleetnames used in the various towns/areas the company serves.

In the new livery is Northern Counties bodied Volvo Olympian 5143 (N143 JPP) new in May 1996 branded for services 24/25/26 on the Luton to Dunstable corridor.
Beyond 5013 (LBD 837P), an Eastern Coachworks bodied Bristol VR new to United Counties (837) in October 1975.

In January 1986 United Counties, then owned by the National Bus Company, was split into a number of smaller operating units in readiness for privatisation. Luton and District Transport was created to take over the garages at Aylesbury, Hitchin and Luton. The new company was sold to its management in August 1987. It later became titled ‘The Shires’.