Bus service U-turn after passenger protests

A bus company has reversed its decision not to stop at a Norfolk village after passengers said the move would cut them off.

First Bus had previously said its excel service between Norwich and Peterborough would not stop at Easton, Norfolk, once roadworks started at Easton roundabout on the A47 on 1 July.

But following complaints and a petition from passengers in the village, the company said a 'viable diversion route' and alternate location for a bus stop has now been found.

However, some Easton residents fear the temporary bus stop is too far away for some people in the village to access.

The temporary stop is to be located just before the junction with Bluebell Way from 1 July - 0.4 miles (0.6km) from the original bus stop on Bawburgh Road.

Charli McCLean who organised the petition, has asked the bus company to look again at the latest plan.

She said: "It is the other end of the village for those who live in the older estates."

As part of its announcement, First Bus said it would continue to work on options for the route from 1 August, when further roadworks affecting the Easton roundabout are due to begin.

Before the alternative route was found, passengers had been told by Norfolk County Council that they should use a different service run by Konectbus, that would still be able to access the village when the roadworks began.

However, Easton residents claimed that service was less frequent and would make it impossible to get to work and school on time.

Lucie Oakes lives in the village and said the route would not be a suitable replacement for her 14-year-old daughter who is at school in Norwich and would have to leave home before 07:00 BST.

She said: "This would then get her into Norwich city centre over an hour early, meaning an hour sitting around waiting for her school to start."

The BBC has approached First Bus for comment in relation to McClean's concerns about the bus stop's location.

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