A COUNCIL has condemned plans for a shake-up of bus services across Teesside.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has put forward an emergency motion, with all-party support, following Arriva North-East's announcement it is to review its services across the borough.

The east Cleveland authority has expressed anger at the implications for bus services, and has called for the company to rethink its proposals.

The council's own interpretation of the changes show seven roads will not have bus services and 16 direct links between communities would be lost.

Cabinet chairman Councillor Eric Empson said: "The motion reflects the feelings of not just the ruling coalition but the council as a whole.

"We will be looking to Arriva to give serious consideration to some of the changes which they are proposing to make, particularly in areas where the residents will be losing the bus service completely."

Liz Esnouf, commercial director for Arriva North-East, said the company was surprised by the council's response.

She said: "Across the Tees Valley as a whole, more passengers will see an improvement in service levels than those who will see reductions. It is a regrettable but undeniable fact that Redcar and Cleveland's population has decreased more sharply than other areas in the Tees Valley, and the service changes in this area reflect demand.

"The changes are designed to reflect where customers actually travel to and recognise how populations have moved and decreased since the network was last designed.

"Where more people wish to travel, we have been able to increase frequencies.

"Where journeys were very poorly used, we have tried to ensure that connections are available for those few customers wishing to make journeys that no longer have a direct link."