Arriva proposes to route X12 bus service through Fishburn

Potential changes to the X12 Arriva service include rerouting it between Sedgefield and Coxhoe to serve Fishburn.

Residents in the village, near Sedgefield, and nearby Trimdon say they have become isolated since Arriva withdrew the X21 service from Peterlee to Darlington in July 2023. 

Arriva has announced the potential changes could be introduced in October following a public consultation. The service stops in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Sedgefield, Durham, Chester-le-Street, and Newcastle.

Residents in Fishburn and nearby Trimdon say they have become isolated since Arriva withdrew the X21 service (Image: The Northern Echo)

The bus operator said passengers have requested changing the route in the Sedgefield/ Fishburn area to improve local connectivity. There would be no change to the frequency or days the service operates. 

The revised service would connect Fishburn to Durham City and also connect to the NetPark industrial site. However, it would not operate via Teesside Park in Stockton but would travel via Tees Barrage and Thornaby Station.

Sedgefield’s MP Paul Howell said Arriva’s announcement was “encouraging news” but added: “Very pleased to see Arriva engaging with us, but we must keep up the momentum.”

Residents continue to campaign for the former X21 service to be reinstated. Stopping in Trimdon, Sedgefield, and Newton Aycliffe among others, it served as a key commuter route and connected residents to nearby towns. Now, passengers are faced with travelling on multiple buses. 

What could change on Service X12?

The proposal would change the route of Service X12 between Sedgefield and Coxhoe, with the route revised to operate via the B1278 between Sedgefield and Fishburn, rather than via Old Durham Road. The service would then rejoin the A171 after operating via Fishburn, at the Bishop Middleham Crossroads, and operate as it currently does, towards Durham via Coxhoe and Bowburn.

In the opposite direction, the same route would apply, albeit in reverse, with buses continuing to Teesside from Sedgefield as they do now.

Recommended reading: 

• Former County Durham bar and restaurant to be converted into convenience store
• Bereaved families call on Prime Minister for public inquiry into mental health trust
• 'My heart is shattered': Heartbroken mum calls for inquiry into hospital trust

Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to The Northern Echo now for £3 for three months. 

What does this mean?

This means that existing users of Service X12, who currently board and alight the service at NetPark, would be required to board/alight the service at stops on the eastern side of the park instead of the current stops. Existing stops at NetPark would no longer be served.

It means Fishburn residents would have a direct link to Durham during the day.

Journey times for passengers boarding in Stockton or Sedgefield area would slightly increase owing to the revised route, passengers boarding in other locations may see a slightly revised timetable, but likely no change to journey time.