A COUNCIL is stepping in to prevent a Darlington estate becoming isolated, after a bus company's decision to cut services to the area.

Arriva has announced that it is cutting a number of services which are not profitable.

Estates throughout Darlington will be affected by the cuts, but worst hit will be the Skerne Park area.

To the anger of local residents, Arriva is cutting early morning, late night and Sunday services from the centre of town to Skerne Park.

They say this will cause problems for shift workers and people who want to get home after a night out in Darlington.

David Evans, who lives in Park Lane, said: "Residents are very concerned because they fear being cut off from the rest of the town.

"I can't believe Arriva can get away with cutting services at such short notice, and we intend setting up a campaign to get them restored."

Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: "The Government is trying to encourage people to leave their cars at home and take public transport, but this just makes a mockery of that."

Other parts of the town which are being affected by the cuts include North Road, Mowden, Whinfield and Firth Moor.

But Darlington Borough Council revealed yesterday that it is stepping in to ensure people are not isolated by the cuts.

The authority says it will subsidise the majority of service for three months from January 7, then put them out to tender.

In the meantime, it plans to hold talks with Arriva to try to find a solution.

Councillor Nick Wallis, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transportation, said: "I am shocked and surprised at Arriva's action, but the council is not going to leave residents high and dry.

"The council is working with the bus companies to encourage people to use an alternative to the car, and we will be talking with Arriva to try to come up with a solution."

No one from Arriva was available for comment last night.

l Bus services in the Richmond area are being cut back because not enough people are using them.

Yesterday, bus company Arriva announced a new timetable, effective from Sunday, January 7, which included cuts on some routes to reduce costs.

Scotton and Tunstall appear worst hit, with the 47 bus being withdrawn completely.

However, North Yorkshire County Council has negotiated a deal with Town and Country Motor Services, which will include both destinations on its Route 33 between Richmond and Hudswell.

As Richmond's Mercury Bridge re-opens later today, there is also good news for Hipswell, which will be included on Route 34 in the New Year.

Council subsidies will also pay for an early morning Arriva service from Richmond to Darlington, and an extra evening run from Richmond town centre to Cutpurse Lane.

However, Aldborough and Gilling have been dropped from Route 29, which will now only provide a direct service from Richmond to Darlington.

The Route 79 bus will still visit the two villages, with the frequency increased to compensate