Council steps in to provide bus service for stranded villagers

People living in the villages have been cut off since the collapse of Stagecarriage and its rural X8 service in July.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has stepped in to provide a replacement service on a temporary basis.

The new number 84 service will run 10am to 2.30pm, Monday to Saturday, linking the villages to Stockton town centre via Tesco Durham Road and University Hospital of North Tees.

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "I was very concerned when the recent collapse of Stagecarriage left these communities cut off and so I met with residents and the local ward councillor to discuss how we could help.

"The Tees Valley Combined Authority is looking to provide a 'demand-led' bus service to these villages at the turn of the year, so what we agreed was to step in and fill the gap by providing a community bus service in the meantime.

"Bus services are a lifeline for these communities and we're pleased that we're in a position to help. I look forward to seeing residents make full use of the service."

Residents wishing to use the service must apply for a free membership card to enable them to board the bus and information about this has been distributed locally.

Membership forms, along with route maps and timetable information, can also be found by calling 01642 528499.