MORE user-friendly bus stops are proving to be just the ticket in Newton Aycliffe.

A £140,000 package of improvements by Durham County Council is under way, with the second phase just completed.

A total of 120 stops in the town have been improved, putting them on the same level as easy access buses and making it easier for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with children in pushchairs to board.

All the stops were surveyed by the council before work began. Improvements include raised kerbs and footpaths, better standing areas and renewed bus stop poles and signs.

Boxes aimed at deterring motorists from parking have also been painted on roads.

A further phase will be carried out later this year, providing extra footpaths to stops.