Arriva did have a presence in Hartlepool local services around 2008 when Hartlepool Council ended a long relationship with Stagecoach and awarded them zero tenders. Arriva took up the 527, 3A and evening 7s. Indeed there was the bizarre situation where at around 6pm, a Stagecoach operated service 7 left the Headland. At York Road, passengers would have to leave the vehicle and board an Arriva one to complete their journey, with no through tickets allowed!
Though a new Stagecoach service could be a success, I think it would be against their business model, though I like the idea.
My thinking is GNE would replace Stagecoach. I think the service and PVR cuts at Hartlepool indicate the profitability of the depot. Stagecoach closing us in the NE isn't unheard of, see Stagecoach Darlington
RE: Go North East: Service Suggestions