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

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

The bus service is a vital link for many of the villagers whose children attend Stokesley School and need to travel by bus there.

It is also used by elderly residents and people commuting to work.

Susan Allinson, 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 do not have cars and it is the only way we can get our shopping, visit family and friends, and go to the doctor's.

"I have to get the bus to work myself and I need my job. Having to get taxis to work would far outweigh any reason for going, and a lot of us just can not afford it.

"I have a son at Stokesley School who cannot stay behind for extra-curricular activities as the last bus is 4pm. They are going to take away a lot of freedom."

Arriva said the closure of Stokesley depot and the relocation to Redcar and Stockton is a commercial move. The company has also said some of their routes are under review.

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 Crathorne Parish Council, next Monday, in the Crathorne Reading Room, at 7.30pm.