TEES FLEX EXTENDED TO AT LEAST MARCH NEXT YEAR

A BUS service that is a lifeline to vulnerable people in isolated areas has been extended after fears it was going to be scrapped.

- By ABIGAIL NICHOLSON

Tees Flex, an on-demand bus service run by Stagecoach and funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority, has been extended until March 2026 at the earliest.

It provides fully accessible travel - in particular, in more rural and isolated areas underserved by other forms of public transport.

North Skelton's Norma Templeman, 87, had called on Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, to quash rumours of its impending cancellation during a BBC Radio Tees phone-in, in May.

Armed with a bouquet of flowers, Mr Houchen stepped off a Tees Flex - renamed 'Norma' - to confirm the service would be extended on Tuesday, July 1. Norma uses Tees Flex three to four times a week to travel to destinations across East Cleveland - and is delighted the minibus service will continue.