Norma’s Calls For Action Backed As Tees Flex Extended Until 2026

Calls for a lifeline bus service to be retained have been backed – with the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen dropping in on an ardent supporter of the scheme to break the good news.

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

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

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

Armed with a bouquet of flowers, Mayor Houchen stepped off a Tees Flex – renamed ‘Norma’ – to confirm the extension of the service on Tuesday afternoon (1 July).

Norma uses Tees Flex three to four times a week to travel to destinations across East Cleveland – and says she’s delighted that the minibus service will continue.

She said: “I need it for my independence, I still get out and about to do my own shopping and without it I’d be totally lost. It’s an absolute lifeline.

“If the Tees Flex didn’t continue it would mean isolation for not just me but so many other people like me in my local area.

“The drivers are fantastic, they help you on, they help you off. I am so delighted that the Mayor has come to tell me that it’s going to continue.”

Mayor Houchen said: “Norma was right to pin me down on the future of Tees Flex – and it’s a real pleasure to deliver some positive news in person on the back of her questions.

“It’s very important our transport works for as many people as possible – and Tees Flex is a big part of keeping our towns and villages connected, particularly in East Cleveland.

“It’s also great we’ve been able to step in and keep three other lifeline bus services running to ensure passengers in Hartlepool, Stockton and Middlesbrough are served.

“I hope we can keep Norma connected in the years ahead – and I look forward to her holding me to account!”

Steve Walker, MD of Stagecoach North East, added: “Stagecoach North East is delighted to hear that the Tees Flex service has been extended.

“Since its launch, Tees Flex has played a big part in connecting the Tees Valley region and ensuring that transportation needs are fulfilled for as many people as possible. The flexibility of the service plays a huge role in not only users like Norma’s lives, but for those travelling to jobs, healthcare appointments and education, as well as helping connect those from more rural areas to the rest of the region.

“We’re excited to continue working with TVCA to continue providing great transport links throughout the Tees Valley region.”

The bus extensions been funded using money from BSIP (the Bus Service Improvement Plan) – a pot provided by the Department for Transport.

Cllr Steve Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “It’s pleasing to see Tees Flex extended.

“We need to ensure our network, and our operators provide the best service possible to as many people as possible.”

Mayor Houchen faces questions on the first Wednesday morning of every month in a radio phone-in on BBC Radio Tees.

He will also be in the hotseat for the first of a regular series of touring in-person Mayor’s Question Time events at Yarm School, on Wednesday, 23 July from 7pm.

To see all bus services extended until March 2026, go to: Service Updates – Travel – Tees Valley