BUS services in Darlington are to be revised for passengers using less commercially viable routes.

Darlington Borough Council has been forced to take a detailed look at its supported bus services policy because of the possible abolition of Government transport grants.

This year, the majority of five-year contracts awarded to commercial operators to support less viable bus routes come up for re-tender.

But a tight budget and a £146,000 shortfall between grants and operating costs means council officials are proposing changes to the criteria used to prioritise which routes will be supported.

In a report to councillors, environment and development director John Buxton says the authority paid £230,000 a year to support local bus services.

However, it only received £84,168 in grants and other payment from central Government.