Bus firm steps in to save service

Until last month, the 32 and 33 services covering the Albert Hill, Hundens Lane and Mowden areas of Darlington was run by Leven Valley Coaches.

When the company backed out of the deal, there were concerns that the bus service would stop if a new contractor could not be found.

But yesterday it was announced that Arriva North-East will provide a replacement service for the routes.

Darlington Borough Council received five bids from bus operators to run the service and cabinet members will now meet next week to finalise plans.

Stagecoach were given a ten-week contract to ensure a continued bus service in the area after Leven pulled out. This will now be replaced by Arriva.

At the meeting next week, cabinet members will consider how best to replace the services withdrawn by Leven, which was operated on a part commercial, part subsidised by the council, basis.

The company pulled out when cuts were made to the national subsidy system meaning fewer people could claim cut-price tickets.

The council had less subsidy money to share around and so Leven received less than in previous years and decided the service was no longer viable.

Nick Wallis, the cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: "The services in question are very important to local people throughout the town.

"Councillors have worked with local communities to ensure the continuation of services and I hope there will be a positive outcome from next week's meeting."

Council officers are recommending that Arriva provides the current level of service, with help from the council.

When the service was first put in jeopardy, more than 100 local residents met Councillor Ian Haszeldine to discuss their fears about the future of the bus route which was previously run by Arriva and Eden bus services before Leven took over.

One resident said yesterday: "We hope Arriva runs the whole service because it means a lot to the people here.

"Without it, many people would be isolated."