A FREE bus service serving Norton and Hartburn is to be expanded after proving popular with local residents.

The community bus, launched by Stockton Borough Council in February, connects Norton, Stockton town centre, and Hartburn from Monday to Friday.

And the service has proved so popular in connecting communities not served by commercial bus services that the council is planning a launch of a community bus in the Stockton South area, to serve Ingleby Barwick, Yarm, Eaglescliffe and surrounding areas.

Since service 87 started in Hartburn and Norton, the number of people using the bus has continued to grow.

Now, following feedback from the people who use the bus, the council has extended the service to run on a Saturday, starting tomorrow (Sat 14).

Councillor Mike Smith, Stockton Council's cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We know how much our communities value transport links across the Borough so we are really pleased that we’re able to extend this service which helps people access local amenities as well as the shops, facilities and year round events programme on offer in Stockton Town Centre.

“We’re also working to develop a new community bus service for people in the South of the Borough. We’ll be in a position to give out more details in coming weeks.”

The service is supported by the Department for Transport's bus service operator grant to promote public transport.

The number 87 was launched after residents were left without access to bus services. The minibus can seat between eight and 16 passengers and offers good disabled access, with removable seats to make way for wheelchairs.

Initially it was hoped that the service would be piloted and prove demand for a commercial service along those routes, but no commercial operator has yet come forward.

Residents wishing to use the service must apply for a free membership card in advance to enable them to board the bus. Membership forms, along with route maps and timetable information, can be found on the Council’s website - www.stockton.gov.uk/communitytransport

Alternatively telephone the Council’s Economic Growth and Development Service on 01642-526709/524681.