CLEANERS have been spared the risk of losing their jobs after as bus company agreed to restore early morning services to part of Darlington.

Earlier this month, bus service provider Arriva cancelled its 5.28am 13a town centre service from Skerne Park and Firthmoor, after a funding subsidy provided by Darlington Borough Council came to an end because of spending cuts.

Earlier this month, the town’s MP Jenny Chapman highlighted the plight of a group of cleaners, from the Firthmoor area of Darlington.

They included 50-year-old Sharon Waterson, who was left facing a 40-minute walk to her cleaning job at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, near Darlington town centre.

On Friday, Arriva confirmed it had agreed to bring in a 5.40am 13a service, which will help the cleaners to reach work in time for their 6am start.

Ms Waterson and her fellow cleaners were said to be “delighted” at the compromise from Arriva, while Mrs Chapman described the decision a “rare victory” for people power over bus companies.

She said: “I think this is a compromise and it is a helpful change in Arriva’s position that will assist my constituents in getting to work on time.

“A small change from Arriva makes a big, big difference to residents’ lives and I hope we can avoid similar problems from occuring in the future, as it causes a great deal of distress for people when they are unable to get to work.”

A raft of cuts have been introduced to bus services across Darlington borough, both rural and urban, following the withdrawal of council subsidies.

Although the service has been restored, Arriva bosses have issued a “use it or lose” it warning to the public.

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East, said: ““The funding for this early morning journey was withdrawn by Darlington Borough Council on June 3.

“We have listened to our customers concerns and have agreed to run this early morning service at our own commercial risk.

“As a result, we will only be able to continue to operate the additional journey if it is used sufficiently well.”

Mrs Chapman added: “I think we need to find a way for passengers to have a greater say in the services that are provided locally.

“I would be happy to help set up a passenger forum, but I would want to make sure it would be listened to.

“I am not interested in presiding over a talking shop.”