Councillors from across the political divide have teamed up to dismiss claims Edinburgh's bus service is under threat.

Representatives from Unite the union have claimed Lothian Buses is at risk after the city council struck a new agreement with umbrella body Transport for Edinburgh (TfE).

TfE, which also oversees the city's trams, was given a wider remit to "integrate" the transport system last week.

Union members claim the move would pave the way for Lothian Buses to be used to subsidise other services or be sold off.

City councillors with a transport brief have now released a joint statement to "set the record straight" following the speculation.

The statement, signed by the respective transport spokesmen and women of each political party, said the claims had "created unnecessary anxiety" among Lothian Buses employees and the wider public.

It said: "The report agreed at last Tuesday's transport and environment committee was about the relationship between TfE and the council, not about the ownership or day-to-day running of Lothian Buses.

"TfE has been the shareholder for both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams since October 2013, with the chairs of bus and tram boards representing the companies on TfE's own board.

"As a council, our vision is to develop a truly integrated public transport system for the capital.

"Lothian Buses is a much-valued and central part of that vision and we'll continue to ensure it keeps thriving and growing to meet the city's transport needs."

The document, signed by transport convener Lesley Hinds of Labour, vice-convener and SNP member Adam McVey, Nigel Bagshaw of the Greens, Conservative Nick Cook and Robert Aldridge from the Liberal Democrats, described Lothian Buses as one of the city's "best-loved local companies".

It concluded: "Every single political group on the City of Edinburgh Council remains fully committed to keeping it in public ownership.

"Day-to-day running of Lothian Buses is - and will continue to be - the responsibility of the Lothian Buses board and management team."