A BUS company has invested £1.4m in services for customers in north Durham.

Go North-East has bought a fleet of 12 brand new buses for the Derwentside bus routes.

Each has the latest low emission engines and ‘next stop’ announcements to make journeys easier.

The ‘Venture’ routes provide links between Consett and Stanley and the surrounding villages, with most of the services running half-hourly throughout the day on Mondays to Saturdays.

North-West Durham MP Pat Glass, who attended one of the recent launch events in Consett Bus Station, said: “I have seen these buses on the road in Consett and I am really pleased at how good they look.

“I have received positive comments from constituents and having been on board one of the new buses this morning. I am pleased the local fleet has been upgraded.”

The routes run between Consett and Delves Lane, Shotley Bridge, Medomsley, Castleside and Chopwell at frequent intervals throughout the day on Mondays to Saturdays.

Delves Lane Ward County Councillor, Bob Glass said: “While I am doing the rounds in Delves Lane a number of people have told me they are pleased about the standard of the new buses.”