Travellers left high and dry after bus firm pulls out

The town's Green Bus services stopped over the weekend - to the surprise of customers and the borough council.

The Green Bus venture was launched in 2003 after Darlington and District Services Ltd secured the 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 in services when they were left without public transport on Sunday.

Green Bus bosses could not be contacted for comment.

But Darlington Borough Council said it was trying to restore services on the eight routes.

A spokeswoman said: "Green Bus ceased operation over the weekend and since then the council has been working to resume a bus service in the affected areas.

"As much of the service as possible will resume tomorrow and, meanwhile, our technicians have been out putting signs up at all bus stops where possible to inform passengers about what has happened."

She said more information could be known about the situation today, but passengers should contact Traveline - on 0870 608 2608 - for alternative bus services in the meantime.

Pat Buttle, secretary of the Skerne Park and Parkside Residents' Association, said the loss of the number 23 night-time service had come as a shock.

She said people expecting to catch the bus on Sunday night had been "totally stranded".

She said: "It is not a good situation for the residents of Skerne Park and Parkside.

"What we are now concerned about is getting a service back to this area."

A resident of the Eastbourne area, who contacted The Northern Echo, said: "There was nothing mentioned to the passengers. I think this has been handled very shabbily."

When it was launched in November 2003, the Green Bus services were seen as a complement to the Government's long-term strategy to reduce congestion in town centres by providing improved public transport.

The company was based at a depot in Henson Road, Darlington.