ANGRY villagers in Hurworth, near Darlington, are protesting about what they say is an unreliable bus service.

Users of the 74 Arriva service from Darlington to the village say it is unreliable and drivers do not give any explanations for delays.

They also say that complaints to the company have not elicited any explanation, but Arriva says it is investigating the complaints.

Ray Smith and his wife, Marion, of Hurworth, use the service frequently.

Three weeks ago they wrote to Arriva concerning two late buses in January which left a long queue of angry passengers.

When the buses arrived drivers gave no explanation for the delays.

Mr Smith said the problem had been going on for many years. He had complained to the company in 1997, but the service was still poor, even though the bus company has changed.

He said that many people who used the service were frustrated at its unreliability.

Mr Smith said drivers should explain to people why they were late and should apologise.

He sent a copy of his complaint to Hurworth Parish Council, which discussed the issue recently.

Councillor Meg Naylor, a regular user of the 74 service, agreed that it was unreliable.

"The half-hourly service is great for us - when it comes. But if a bus is missing, you can always bet it will be the Hurworth bus," she said.

Mike Barber, Arriva's commercial manager, said: "Drivers are going through customer care training and all are briefed to keep customers informed.

"On January 24, the bus was held up after an accident in Darlington, and the ticket machine needed to be changed after it broke down. On January 19, heavy traffic was to blame. We are happy to come and discuss the service at the parish meeting, and if there is a problem we need to resolve it."

Any complaints about the service should be sent in writing to Mike Barber, commercial manager, Arriva North-East, Boathouse Lane, Stockton