Youngsters fight to save bus services for rural residents

Campaigners Caitlin Brennan, Anna Renfrew and Anisha Harris are fighting Arriva’s plans to withdraw services in Teesdale, County Durham.

They are urging Durham County Council and Arriva to find a solution to save the bus service they feel is vital.

The teenagers, all 15, and pupils at Teesdale School, Barnard Castle, fear any cuts will impact on them travelling to sixth form from next year.

They began a petition against withdrawing the services which has so far collected 857 names and they are to give it to the council in November.

The trio spoke to the county council’s cabinet committee at its meeting this week.

Councillor Neil Foster, of the cabinet group, is now trying to set up a meeting between the teens, the council and Arriva to discuss the issue.

Caitlin, from Cotherstone, said: "Everyone feels really passionate about this.

"We’ve had a lot of support from local people who’ve wanted to sign the petition.

"Some people think there are not many people living out here but these people want to get their views heard.

"Without this bus service we’ll struggle to get to sixth form in either Darlington or Barnard Castle.

"I would have to rely on parents, who work full-time, or friends for lifts.

"Elderly people need the bus to get to the doctors or the shops and without it they’ll be totally isolated.

"We want to get in touch with Arriva to tell it of our concerns."

A council spokesman said Councillor Foster was trying to arrange a meeting between the authority, the teenagers and Arriva.

John Fozzard, of Arriva, said: "We’re in discussions to see what can be amended or done to ensure the services continue."

Sophie Allain, of the Campaign for Better Transport, warned that cutting bus services could mean more money was spent on areas like welfare to compensate.

She said: "We urge the council to consult local people before deciding how to make these cuts to identify routes where the impact will be least felt."