Bus drivers are claiming a victory after a protest march gained them support in their fight to keep their jobs and current wage level.

The drivers fear they will face a £2-an-hour wage cut when new operator Metrobus takes over from Arriva next month.

Crawley Council has now agreed to ask West Sussex County Council to put pressure on Metrobus to offer the same wages and conditions.

The decision followed yesterday's march by more than 70 drivers from Crawley bus station to the town hall.

The town was left without most of its bus services from 11am to 1pm. Town centre traffic was brought to a halt as members of the public joined the march.

The drivers were met by council leader Chris Redmayne, Mayor Mohammed Qamaruddin, Deputy Mayor Chris Mullins and Councillor Doug Murdoch.

A deputation of drivers, led by union representative Ray Millard and the TGWU regional organiser Tom O'Driscoll, spent 45 minutes talking to the councillors.

Mr O'Driscoll said: "The talks were very successful. The council has made it clear that while it has no say in awarding the routes it will try to persuade the county council to get the new bus company to agree to our demands."

Coun Redmayne said: "We are not a major player but we are concerned because we operate a concessionary fare scheme for the infirm and for pensioners.

"We are quite happy on behalf of the drivers to ask West Sussex County Council if it can put pressure on the new company to accept present pay and working conditions."

A county council spokesman said drivers' concerns would be passed to Metrobus but it had no influence on employment conditions.

Peter Larking, managing director of Metrobus, said drivers had acted too soon and without a full understanding of the issue.

He said: "Those Arriva drivers who have contacted us to ask about employment options have heard the real story.

"Our pay and conditions package is very, very similar indeed to that of Arriva buses. There's no pay cut involved - if anything we pay slightly more."

Mr Larking said talks had begun with Arriva and his company planned to make an announcement soon about better premises and working conditions.

He said: "If Arriva staff want to allay their fears immediately they can arrange an interview with us when we will explain the pay and conditions package.

"The other thing they can do is wait until we make the announcement and they have the chance to meet Metrobus management next week."