Passengers have urged a regional operator to listen to local voices amid proposed changes to a key bus route. Arriva is currently consulting on plans to revise the X22 service between Peterlee and Middlesbrough .

Two options under consideration include maintaining the route as it is, with links to Stockton and the University Hospital of North Tees Hospital, or revising the service to connect it to Newton Aycliffe and Darlington instead. News of the proposal has led to one county councillor warning that residents are being forced to make an "impossible" decision.

Arriva said the survey will help it understand how to improve the service. Megan Hall, who works at North Tees Hospital, said the direct link is vital to the local community.

"It's very worrying that this has even become

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