CAMPAIGNERS for a direct bus link between two north Suffolk towns are calling for more people to back the project.An informal survey is currently being carried out to see how many people would like the direct bus service between Halesworth and Lowestoft reinstated.

CAMPAIGNERS for a direct bus link between two north Suffolk towns are calling for more people to back the project.

An informal survey is currently being carried out to see how many people would like the direct bus service between Halesworth and Lowestoft reinstated.

At present, bus users between the two towns have to wait an hour in Southwold to change.

Anyone who would like to see the service reinstated for at least two days a week is being urged to write to Halesworth Town Council saying how often they are likely to travel, the frequency and times.

It is hoped with as much public support as possible, the direct bus link could be reintroduced.

Alan Holzer, chairman of the town council, said: “We're particularly keen to encourage a direct bus service to Lowestoft and a number of people want it and we believe there's support for that.”

So far, more than 80 people have put their names down in support of the service.

Doreen Mills, 74, of Station Road, said: “I've got a bus pass and I often think I would love to go to Lowestoft because I used to drive there but I don't go because it's too much of a hassle.

“How there isn't a direct bus to Lowestoft seems unreasonable to me and I hear a lot of people say they want one. It would be great if we could get it.”

The service was scrapped 12 months ago as part of Suffolk County Council's budget savings.

Sandra Graffham, the council's communications manager for environment and transport, said: “It was withdrawn because there's an alternative rail service that covers the direct link and there's the 521 and 91 which, although there's a stop in the route, takes you from A to B.”

She said the service was not up for review and hoped people would be able to make these changes by either using the train or catching the 521 to Southwold and then the 91 to Lowestoft.

The town council is also campaigning for a proper bus stop with a decent shelter and layby near the Angel Link car park.

Anyone who wants the Halesworth to Lowestoft direct service reinstated is asked to write a letter stating how often they would use it and the time of day to c/o Halesworth Town Council, Waveney Local Office, London Road, Halesworth IP19 8LW.

kate.scotter@eadt.co.uk