A CAMPAIGN is under way to stop bus company bosses cutting services in the Newton Hall area of Durham.

Residents who rely on bus services on the Newton Hall estate are angry that a reduction in services is to be introduced next month.

People are particularly concerned about a decision to withdraw the Arriva services 60 and 65 and to cut the number of journeys for the X41 to Newcastle.

Because the company has to give eight weeks' notification of its plans, Arriva officials were invited to a public meeting in Newton Hall to hear people's views.

Coun George Hunter, who represents Newton Hall on both Durham city and county councils, said there was an excellent turn out for the meeting and a frank exchange of views was given.

Apart from Arriva, a county council public transport officer also attended the meeting, at Newton Hall Community Centre, to gauge the strength of feeling.

Coun Hunter said a presentation was given on the future of bus services in Newton Hall, including the planned changes to routes.

He said: "Some of these are acceptable, but the one which has met most opposition is the withdrawal of the 60 and 65 buses.

"These travel across Newton Hall, stopping in Lumley Road, Featherstone Road, Wolsingham Road and Lindisfarne Road.

"It's a very hilly route and very difficult for older people to walk it.

"We're increasingly becoming an older estate and it's terrible for the more elderly, who need to get to the doctors for instance.

"They're going to be faced with getting a taxi."

Coun Hunter said residents did not oppose re-routing of some services, but the reduction of the X41, which stops at the Abbey Sports Centre, Durham, was also unpopular.

Liz Eznouf, of Arriva, said the changes, due to be implemented from June 28, were made for commercial reasons because too few passengers used the services.

Coun Hunter said a petition was being drawn up to oppose the planned changes.

He said: "We have arranged another residents' forum later this month and we hope to hand the petition over to the county council before then."

The meeting will be held for all residents at the community centre in Carr House Drive, on Wednesday May 19, at 7pm.