VILLAGERS fear they may lose a vital bus service following Arriva's announcement that it is to close Stokesley depot in February.

Residents in Crathorne, Hutton Rudby and Kirklevington claim they have been told by some drivers on the route that the hourly bus service linking them to Stokesley, Yarm and Middlesbrough will be axed.

The bus service is a vital link for many of the villagers whose children attend Stokesley School and need to travel there by bus. It is also used by elderly residents and people commuting to work.

Susan Allison, one of the villagers protesting about the possible loss of service, said: "The bus is a vital lifeline for a lot of people in the villages.

"Some of us don't have cars and it is the only way we can get our shopping, visit family and friends and go to the doctors."

However, Steve Noble, managing director of Arriva North-East, told The Northern Echo: "As previously indicated, Arriva North-East is working to ensure the provision of all bus services will remain unchanged following the closure of the Stokesley depot."

The villagers are to raise their fears at a meeting of Crathorne Parish Council next Monday, at 7.30pm, in the Crathorne reading room.

Mrs Allinson said: "The bus drivers have told us to get together a petition and see what happens, but even they have admitted that if Arriva decide to do away with the service then there is nothing we can do. We need to know one way or another."