RESIDENTS in New Ridley have helped secure the future of their weekly bus service to Hexham by carrying out a year-long survey on passenger numbers.

Vicky Jeffcock and Amy Milligan who live in the hamlet near Stocksfield, are just two regular users of the 613 between Whittonstall and Hexham.

And they decided to take matters into their own hands when they found out the service had been placed under review by Northumberland County Council due to concerns about it being under-used.

With support from county councillor for Stocksfield, Coun. Anne Dale, the ladies began boarding the bus every Tuesday armed with a register, which every passenger was asked to sign.

“Some weeks we did have just seven passengers, but there was regularly as many as 21 people using the bus,“ said Vicky, who says the service is crucial for people who shop and attend hospital and other medical appointments in Hexham.

Formerly operated by bus company Howard Snaith, a new contract for the service has now been awarded to Prudhoe-based PCL Travel, which provides a 22-seat low-floor accessible bus for the route.

The weekly return journey between Whittonstall and Hexham, also stops off at Apperley Dene, Hedley on the Hill, Hindley, Broomley and Riding Mill.

Coun. Dale said: “The aim has been to ensure the correct number of passengers was recorded.

“Vicky, who is a regular traveller on the bus, has been instrumental in helping to collect accurate data.

“Having seen the figures, the county council is now very keen to continue to subsidise the route and the future for the service, which is relied on by local people, now looks very bright.”