FEARS have been expressed that bus services in a village could deteriorate because of a multi-million pound facelift in Darlington.

Hurworth Parish councillors heard at its meeting on Tuesday that buses serving the village had already been hit by major delays.

Roadworks in and around the centre of Darlington were said to be the problem - and one councillor said he was concerned that the borough council's £6.5m pedestrianisation scheme could worsen the situation.

Work on the project has started, with major changes in the town centre about to come into effect.

Councillor John Lawrie said: "The bus problems between 4pm and 6pm have deteriorated quite badly. I understand the problems are due to extensive roadworks."

Councillor Peter Foster said: "It's a matter of bearing with it until it's finished and then the buses should move fairly freely.

"It has to be done sometime and there has to be a bit of upheaval to get the new bus lanes in."

A borough council spokeswoman said: "Major works such are these are bound to have some effect, but the work on the pedestrian heart should not cause significant delays."