A £2m fleet of new vehicles has been welcomed as the “first step” towards improved bus services in County Durham.

MP for North West Durham Hilary Armstrong called a public meeting in March after a surge of complaints from constituents about Arriva North East.

Over 50 turned up at Crook’s St Catherine’s Community Centre to challenge representatives about shoddy vehicles and late or infrequent services.

The company responded with a pledge to buy 14 new buses for County Durham and review the timetables in Crook and the surrounding area.

Manufactured by Wrightbus Pulsar in Ireland the new £150,000 vehicles have inbuilt CCTV and meet European emissions standards.

They will be used for the 46 and 5 services between Crook and Durham and Durham and Darlington.

Martin Shier, area manager for Arriva, said: “This is the latest in a series of investments in new buses and further proof that we are committed to providing the best service possible for our customers.

“In addition to these new buses we have made positive changes to the frequencies of our services, ensuring that the residents of Crook and the surrounding area have a first class frequent bus service.”

The 46 service linking Crook and Durham operates every half hour with the 5 bus connecting Durham and Darlington running every 15 minutes.

That could become more frequent later this year if a review finds the system isn’t working and customers are still unhappy. Ms Armstrong said: “These buses will make a real difference to some of my most vulnerable constituents’ quality of life.

“It means there will be less breakdowns and a more reliable, accessible and cleaner service.

“There are a lot of people here who still don’t have a car and need to know buses are going to be reliable and a good experience.

“I hope this will restore their confidence and encourage them to get the bus.”

Durham County Council chairman and county councillor for Willington Brian Myers was also in Crook yesterday to witness the new 46 pull up.

He said: “These buses are well overdue.

“I look forward to seeing the company fulfil its promise of improving the service.”