PASSENGERS' concerns that bus services were to be scrapped in parts of east Durham were allayed yesterday.

Fears had been growing in the area after Jayline Buses, which has operated services in the Peterlee and Seaham areas for several years, revealed it was to withdraw from its operating contract with Durham County Council.

But in an announcement yesterday, Go North-East confirmed it would be taking over all the company's operations.

Jayline had decided to cease its services in the Easington district and concentrate on its growing speciality transport enterprise for the entertainment business.

But before doing so, it had talks with Go North-East which has now agreed to take over the 12 threatened routes, from June 4.

Go North-East has also undertaken to carry out several improvements to the services, including a doubling on the Peterlee to Middlesbrough link.

It also intends to simplify the pattern for the two local routes in Peterlee and provide through journey opportunities from Sunderland to Middlesbrough via Peterlee.

Connections between services at Peterlee are to be streamlined, allowing easier travel from the east Durham town to Sunderland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

Go North-East managing director Peter Huntley said that before finishing its contract, Jayline had approached his company.

He said: "With the support of Durham County Council, we have managed to agree a deal that secures all of the current Jayline services, and also brings some improvements for local bus users.

"With these new services, we will be providing up to 14 bus departures an hour from Peterlee bus station, all provided by low-floor easy-access buses, making it the town's leading operator.''

Concerns over the future of staff working for Jayline on the east Durham routes were also put to rest by Go North-East. It confirmed that all the drivers' jobs would be retained.