To be fair, Lytham St Annes Corporation buses would only have gone to Ribble (now Stagecoach) at a slightly later date if Blackpool had not made their move. I must say, though, that LSA were the epitome of a municipal operation to me, lovely livery and buses, always a joy to visit.
(Lytham St Annes Corporation Transport became Fylde Borough Transport in 1974... There was a remarkable period from 1986 til 1994/6 when Fylde buses were out-competing within Blackpool.. to the point that any 'inevitability' over which would take over the other was not a foregone conclusion... But Blackpool Council's stake in the combined bus and tram operation prevailed...
Meanwhile.. Can we please retain and enhance our direct link to the national rail network.. Surely not too much to ask... Thaanks!)