A ROW has erupted over the future of bus services that provide a vital lifeline to rural communities.

The three opposition groups on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have joined forces to oppose any proposed cuts to the Link bus service in the area.

A working group at the local authority has been set up to discuss the future of the service but the opposition parties are not prepared to even discuss cuts to the service which will come under scrutiny as the council works on next year's budget.

A stance that left the Labour council leader Sue Jeffrey baffled as the three opposition leaders represent some of the areas affected by any possible change to services.

Liberal Democrat group leader Josh Mason said: “These buses are a vital lifeline for residents, as they run at times when commercial bus services won’t. We will fight hard to protect services for vulnerable and rural residents.”

The low-floor buses operate hourly through more than 20 towns and villages on six evenings a week, from Monday to Saturday.

Conservative group leader Valerie Halton said: “It is right that the opposition parties work together to campaign to protect essential services.”

Independent Group Leader Mary Lanigan added: “The East Cleveland area is particularly reliant on this service, as it consists of rural and semi-rural communities. These bus services are crucial to the economic well-being of our area.”

The vehicles run through Redcar, Marske, Saltburn, Brotton, Carlin How, Loftus, Liverton Mines, North Skelton, New Skelton, Skelton, Skelton Green, Boosbeck, Lingdale, Margrove Park, Charltons, Slapewath, Guisborough, including an extension into Hutton Village, Dunsdale, Yearby and Kirkleatham Village.

Council leader Sue Jeffrey said: "I am hugely disappointed that the opposition Leaders have taken this stance. If this reflects the position they are going to take in all our discussions about the budget then they are failing their constituents, failing the borough and failing to face up to their responsibilities as elected councillors.

"They have already been formally invited to join a cross party working group to review detailed information on how the Local Link buses are working, who uses them and how much it costs. It will also consider the context within which the service works, for example we know that for many people without a car and for older people, a bus service is a vital lifeline.

"The service has been running for a number of years and it is right that we review now when budgets are under such pressure, to ensure we are getting it right. We will also be talking to local communities and with the main commercial bus operator, Arriva, to come to firm and supportable proposals. We would have liked the input of all Councillors to help us with this important job but unfortunately it seems the opposition have decided to back-heel it to Labour.

"The working party is scheduled to have its first meeting on Monday, December 7 and I still hope that representatives from all parties will attend and contribute particularly given that the opposition leaders themselves represent the people of Loftus, Redcar and Guisborough - all communities served by Local Link services."