A BUS company has come to the rescue of passengers frustrated by delays on a popular service.

Arriva North-East's number 48 service, between Durham, Bearpark and New Brancepeth, is being held up by roadworks.

Contractors for Northumbrian Water are carrying out a £3m water mains refurbishment programme, involving pipe replacement, cleaning and relining around the city.

To overcome delays, the company has agreed to put on an extra bus to ensure that it keeps to the timetable.

Arriva North-East's commercial director, Steve Burd, said: "We can only apologise to passengers for the delays. We took action as soon as we realised the impact the maintenance work was having on timetables in the heart of the city.

"Of course, roadworks on this scale are bound to cause disruption, but we have taken action which we are confident will minimise the impact."

The move was agreed with Durham County Council.

The council's director of environment and technical services, Chris Tunstall, said: "The massive investment programme being carried out by Northumbrian Water is very welcome, and in the long term, will result in improved services for householders.

"Both the council and Arriva were involved in consultations with the company when these works were at the planning stage.

"It was agreed to monitor the impact on public transport services as they progressed and take any appropriate action. That is what has happened.''

Richard Johnston, project manager for Northumbrian Water, said: "We are doing everything we can to minimise any inconvenience, but unfortunately, it is inevitable that some delays and diversions will be needed.

"The good news is that the work will safeguard Durham's water supply well into the 21st Century.''