A new bus service connecting Sedgefield, Chilton, and Newton Aycliffe will come into force from Tuesday, September 1.
Running Monday to Friday, the service was announced this morning (August 18) on social media by both Sedgefield Councillor Chris Lines and his ward colleague Councillor Ian Catchpole
The pair had been fighting to secure the service for sometime.
Taking to Facebook, Cllr Lines said: “We’re both grateful to officers who have been able to devise a new, limited weekday service between Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe that will launch soon, initially for a trial period of a year.”
Councillor Chris Lines, an Independent member for Sedgefield.
(Image: The Northern Echo)
He continued: “I know that there are residents in the ward who will welcome and use the new 121, and I certainly appreciate all of the work that DCC’s Integrated Passenger Transport Team has done to make this happen, supported by the council’s administration.”
The Durham County Council 121 bus will run from 9am to 2.30pm Monday to Friday, but the type of bus means disability access is limited to collapsible chairs.
Journey prices for adults will be a flat £2.50, with a £1 charge for children payable by cash only.
The bus itself is being run by the council's own home-to-school fleet.
Joining his ward colleague in the announcement was Cllr Ian Catchpole, who wrote: “I am delighted to secure this vital new link, ensuring better connectivity for residents in our towns and villages.”
Councillor Ian Catchpole
(Image: ldr)
The announcement has already been met with positive reactions, with one social media user writing: “Hopefully this is the beginning of more bus services – it is a struggle in Bishop Middleham and many other villages – well done!”
Read more
Impressive £550,000 home with striking views over North East on market
Customers can't get usual refunds from UK store despite successful takeover
Motorists could be driving with fake MOTs as expert shares 5 signs to look out for
Another said: “I look forward to seeing additional info regarding bus stops served in Sedgefield and Newton Aycliffe – Losing the X21 service was a disaster for people relying on public service from Sedgefield – truly life limiting.”
Cllr Lines is supporting a project to bring bus services back under public control.
He said: “I will continue to lobby Arriva to do better in the short term, but I will also continue to actively support North East Mayor Kim McGuinness in her project to bring bus services back under public control.”