COUNCIL heads have refused to provide a "quick fix" solution to end a row over the withdrawal of a Darlington bus service

Darlington Borough Council has begun a tendering process to find an operator to run the 32 and 33 services which cover Mowden, Albert Hill and Hundens Lane.

The service, vital to scores of pensioners, ended on Saturday after current operator Leven Valley Coaches announced it was pulling out of the route.

A short-term replacement service operated by Stagecoach began yesterday, but, depending on the length of the tendering process, it could be months before a permanent operator is in place.

Passengers, who have already held a meeting to discuss the matter, which drew more than 100 people, say they will quickly run out of patience with the council.

It says there is a statutory process to go through, which cannot be rushed.

Carol Garbutt, who lives in Albert Hill, said: "We are just in limbo at the moment and I don't trust the council to deliver on this.

"We want a permanent bus service - if possible, within the next two weeks."

Hundreds of signatures protesting at the loss of the service have been collected in recent weeks.

Leven Valley Coaches said it was losing money on the route and has claimed the council also withheld a much-needed subsidy under its concessionary fares scheme.

Tory councillor Bill Stenson, who represents Mowden, said: "This is a real lifeline service and the sooner it is fixed the better."

Coun Stenson said that he would "go to war" if a permanent operator was not found.

Darlington Council says it is in negotiations at the moment with a view to issuing a contract for the service running up to October 2002.

Quotes have been sought with a view to operating it from the end of September.

Last night, Steve Jones, head of communications at Darlington council, said: "There is a due process to go through here and one which will take several weeks.

"This is an important decision and it would not make sense to go for quick fixes or short cuts.