A POPULAR weekend bus service between Durham and the Lake District is to be axed.
Every Saturday morning in the summer for the past few years, Arriva's x85 bus journeyed between Durham and Kendal, picking up dozens of passengers on its route through Wear Valley and Weardale.
The route has proved popular for hikers, families, the elderly and disabled as well as people who cannot drive.
The decision to drop the service has been condemned by parish councillors in Weardale and passengers.
Chairman of Stanhope Parish Council Diana Sutcliff said: "It is ironic that the principal solution put forward to compensate for the loss of mainstream jobs is more tourism. Yet here is an established tourism facility being axed."
Tony Elton, 67, from Witton Gilbert, near Durham, finds inspiration for his musical compositions from his journeys across the Pennines.
He said: "Several of my pieces were inspired on that bus."
North-East managing director Steve Noble said: "Arriva North-East has decided to concentrate on providing services within our region during the summer months, rather than providing links between our region and other parts of the country.
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