Konect encourages rivals to include Norfolk village in route amid cancellation concerns

The bus service linking Mulbarton and Norwich. Picture: Konectbus (Image: Archant)

The 87 Konectbus service, which runs between Norwich, Poringland and Bungay, is due to be withdrawn because of 'continuing unsustainable losses', on January 2, 2019.

A statement on the Konectbus website said: 'Stoke Holy Cross and Caistor St Edmund will be served by Konectbus route 84. Upper Stoke will no longer be served by Konectbus.'

Linda Manson, 59, of Stoke Holy Cross, who uses the bus every day said: 'I knew something wasn't quite right when the buses stopped turning up or arrived late.

'Elderly people rely on this bus for hospital appointments and to get into the city centre to socialise. This is their lifeline.'

Linda Manson, 59, who uses Konectbus everyday. Picture: Linda Manson (Image: Archant)

Since KonectBus became part of Go East Anglia they have committed several million pounds to keeping this rural operation going.

A spokesperson from the company, said: 'We realise the impact that a change in service has on people's lives, however, we can no longer sustain the losses.

'We deeply regret having to make this proposal, which we are still happy to discuss with stakeholders before an implementation decision is taken.'

Since her husband died Ms Manson has not had access to a car and relies on the bus.

Ms Manson said: 'I don't understand why buses are being cancelled or reduced when people are being asked to use more public transport.'

Konectbus operates 80 buses throughout Norfolk from local towns and villages.

Ms Manson said: 'The buses were much more efficient when they were run by Anglian Bus, Konectbus do not care at all.

'All we want is a reliable bus service which comes often and can take us where we want to go.'

A spokesperson from Konectbus, said: Many of the route's former passengers have chosen to use the competing service introduced by First.'