A councillor is pleading for employers to be 'understanding' during Go North East strikes.

Prudhoe Cllr Gordon Stewart fears those in his ward may face loosing their job if they can't get into work during the continued travel company strikes.

He is also concerned that many of his wards residents are becoming isolated from friends and family when they can't go to see them by using a bus.

He said:"I have received numerous messages from residents and local businesses from across the Tyne Valley who are pleading for this dispute to come to an end, It is putting at risk many jobs and the livelihoods of so many people'

"Families are being penalized with them being unable to visit relatives, including their elderly relatives and those who are ill in hospital, grandparents being unable to see their grandchildren.

"Tax payers continue to heavily subsidize bus services in the region, but this company is failing to provide very little for our communities,  I have written to the Go North East Management Director, Nigel Featham asking that he ensures daily negotiations take place to end this destructive strike, I have fears for the long term future of his company.

"I am asking local employers to have consideration for their team members who are having extreme difficulty getting to work, many are struggling with increased costs and strain upon their family and personal lives, please consider offering them a temporary role closer to their homes as the dispute continues if practicable possibly providing staff transport.

"Car sharing is a good way of getting to and from work for some, but please ensure you only accept lifts from people you know and trust."

Also commenting on the recent update of some services in Tynedale running, he adds: "Following the announcement by GNE that a skeleton  service, I welcome this but I am pushing for a service between Ryton to Hexham running along the Tyne valley via Prudhoe, I am in discussion with several parties to progress this'

The main routes through Prudhoe are commercially run ie profitable and not subsidised so negotiations become more difficult.