THE council is battling to save bus services in Darlington after a bus company stopped operating.

The town's Green Bus services stopped over the weekend.

The venture was launched in 2003 after Darlington and District Services Ltd secured a contract to operate routes in and around the town.

But the loss of the service has stunned passengers, many of whom only found out about the cuts when they were left without public transport on Sunday.

Pat Buttle, secretary of Skerne Park and Parkside Residents' Association, said people had been left stranded and services needed to be reinstated.

Green Bus bosses could not be contacted for comment.

Darlington Borough Council said it was trying to restore services on the eight routes and was putting up posters in bus stops to tell people about the problems.

Passengers are also being advised to telephone Traveline on 0870 608 2608 for alternative bus services.