Pressure from the local community, local councillors and MP Alan Milburn has convinced Arriva to reinstate its bus services to the north side of Darlington.

Over 800 concerned residents signed petition cards circulated by the Friends of the Hill Community Association and North Road Partnership. The petition and the many letters received, including one from the Harrowgate Club & Institute, were presented to Arriva when they met with Alan Milburn MP.

At the meeting at Alan's office, the company were made fully aware of the strength of feeling here about the apparent lack of consultation about changes which left two estates without a service and the resulting disruption to the social lives of residents of all ages.

As a result, Arriva has now agreed to run an hourly service through the day and in the evening between Friday and Sunday. The company is also considering amending the 6A and 6B routes to include Burtree Lane, Trevone Way and Camborne Drive.

However, residents on Mayfair & Glebe Roads will not be covered by the service because of concerns about access to the roads.

Alan Milburn said "I am delighted that Arriva have listened to people's concerns and taken on board the strength of feeling in the community. Hundreds of people told me how strongly they felt about the loss of the evening service in the north of the town and I am very pleased that the company has looked at this particular service again.”

The changes in service will come into force on Sunday, October 26.

For details on the planned service changes and how Alan and the Council have been working with the bus company to improve the bus services in Darlington, please read our Arriva bus services update.