SOME new bus routes in Darlington have been cancelled until the New Year because of a shortage of drivers, it was revealed last night.

The Green Bus company, which started trading two weeks ago, was thrown into crisis when eight drivers failed to turn up on their first day at work.

Some buses from services ten, 11 and 19 have been cancelled until further notice, affecting residents in the Firthmoor, Whinfield and Faverdale areas of Darlington.

Some residents have been waiting at stops for more than an hour, not knowing that the services were not running properly.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said last night: "We are aware of the difficulties that some residents are experiencing with the new Green Bus service and we thank them for their patience. The problem is mainly due to a shortage of drivers.

"Our priority and that of the operator is to have a full service operational as soon as possible. It is likely that will happen early in the New Year, but we will be monitoring the situation carefully.

"Green Bus is a new company and many of the bus routes are also new, so any initial problems at the start of a new service, whilst not welcome, are not unexpected.

"We remain confident that once these problems are solved, bus passengers will be able to enjoy an efficient service, offering routes and vehicles not available previously."

Green Bus managing director Richard Cranmer said: "I had enough drivers but then eight did not turn up on the first day.

"I have got vacancies and I am filling them. Things are getting better every day, but people just don't want to change jobs before Christmas.

"In the New Year things will improve radically. What we tried to do is minimise inconvenience by having the same services not running on each day."

Mr Cranmer set up Green Bus having previously been manager of bus company Stagecoach's Darlington operations for four years.

The new depot, on the Yarm Road Business Park in the town, was scheduled to bring 35 jobs to the town before the recruitment crisis.