PEOPLE with mobility problems living in urban areas can now use a scheme that has been benefiting disabled rural residents for more than five years.

About 2,000 people use Durham County Council's Access bus service. But from next Monday, the scheme will be extended to Durham City and Newton Aycliffe residents.

The bus travels to shopping centres in Durham City, Washington, Chester-le-Street, Sunderland, Darlington and Richmond.

The new Service 16 will operate on Mondays, picking up from Belmont, Carrville, Gilesgate, Sherburn Road, Durham City, Framwellgate Moor, Pity Me, Nevilles Cross and Newton Hall.

It will go to the Galleries in Washington, Sunderland, Chester-le-Street and the Arnison and Prince Bishops centres in Durham City.

Service 17 will also operate on Mondays, picking up from Newton Aycliffe, Aycliffe Village, Middridge and calling at Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Richmond and Durham City.

The Access Bus is a membership scheme for which there is a nominal joining fee and a small charge for each journey. The only qualification to join is for passengers to have a genuine mobility problem.

Anyone wanting to check if they are eligible can contact Karen Muse on 0191-386 7148.