A bus service has returned to Henknowle for the first time in three years, reconnecting residents with Bishop Auckland, Tindale and Barnard Castle.
The Number 85 service, operated by family-run Weardale Motor Services, now loops through Henknowle, providing a much-needed public transport link for local residents.
The service now operates a few times a day, and its return marks an important first step towards improving public transport provision for this area.
A route that used to go via Henknowle was cut three years ago, leaving residents without the local bus, making it more difficult for people to travel to nearby towns and communities.
Sam Rushworth MP met with Stuart Gray, who manages Weardale Motor Services, to welcome the return of the service and discuss the importance of reliable public transport for local communities.
Sam Rushworth MP said: “Reliable and accessible bus services are incredibly important to people across our communities, particularly in rural areas where public transport can be a lifeline.
“The return of the Number 85 to Henknowle is very welcome news.
“While there is more work to do to improve bus provision across the area, getting this service back is an important for residents here, who I speak to regularly and know how much this impacted them.
“I want to thank Stuart and everyone at Weardale Buses for their work in bringing the service back. They are a great family-run local business and take real pride in providing services for our communities.
“Last year, the government passed a new law – the “Bus Services Act 2025” – to make it easier for local areas to take control of bus services and put passengers first.
“The government has also announced a return to a £2 single bus fare cap in England starting in January 2027, alongside a £3 billion multi-year funding boost for local bus services and infrastructure.
“So, I hope this limited return of buses to Henknowle can be a first step towards further improvements to our public transport and I’ll continue to advocate for better services right across the constituency”.
Timetable can be found via Weardale Travels website at: www.weardale-travel.co.uk
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
