THE last night bus in the county may be saved as parish councils along the threatened route club together to foot the £5,000 bill.

The number 74 Go North East evening bus was one of many slashed from the service last year amid county council attempts to save £200,000 in subsidy costs.

The route takes the number 74 bus through Ponteland, Darras Hall, Stamfordham and Great Whittington. And the last two services at 9pm and 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays were earmarked to be erased from the timetable.

But the change was postponed by the county council following protests against the decision.

And now Ponteland Town Council has agreed to foot the majority of the bill.

Speaking at last week’s town council meeting, county councillor Veronica Jones explained: “The county council changed its criteria for bus subsidies.

“Unfortunately it meant that they were not prepared to subsidise evening services. The number 74 bus service was the only subsidised service left in the county.

“I’ve argued that evening services are not just for leisure; employment is not just nine to five, people work shifts. But as far as they’re concerned Ponteland uses this bus to go to the pub.”

Northumberland County Council put the subsidy out to tender, and it was found that the cheapest quote came from Go North East.

It will cost a total of £4,972 to subsidise two evening services at 9pm and 11pm.

At last week’s meeting, Ponteland councillor Robin Ramsay reported that Stamfordham Parish Council had agreed to contribute £500 and Matfen Parish Council had agreed in principle to contributing at least £500.

Based on this, it was agreed that Ponteland Town Council would pay the remainder, currently standing at £3972.

The money will pay for a 12 month service. After that time a full review of the service and passenger numbers will be carried out.