RESIDENTS have organised a meeting to discuss what they describe as poor public transport links between Hartlepool and two hospitals in the area.

Members of the Fens Residents' Association are calling for better bus services for patients and visitors who have to attend The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.

There are no direct buses from Hartlepool to either hospital, and this is seen against a drift of services away from the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Service 1 takes passengers to Middlesbrough bus station, from where another bus can be taken to James Cook hospital.

Some residents who live in the west and south-west areas of Hartlepool also need to catch a bus to the number 1 route.

To get to North Tees Hospital, Hartlepool residents have to catch the number 36 bus and then change at either Billingham or Stockton town centre.

Joan Smith, secretary of the Fens Residents' Association, said: "The reason why we have organised a meeting is to discuss the situation and to help facilitate a move towards public transport which reflects the changing needs of hospital patients and visitors."

The meeting will be held at Fens Primary School hall, Mowbray Road, Hartlepool, on Monday, at 7pm.

Guests include Ian Wright, MP for Hartlepool, Mayor Stuart Drummond, councillors Peter Jackson and Gerard Hall, portfolio holders for transport and health, Councillor Michael Johnson, chairman of the south neighbourhood forum, and Councillor Jonathan Brash, chairman of the health scrutiny forum.

Invitations have also been issued to Hartlepool Primary Care Trust and Stagecoach. The North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust has been invited but is not sending a representative.