A NEW bus service that provides a direct link between Halesworth and Norwich has been launched.Anglia Coaches decided to introduce the 588 service after pressure from local residents and councillors.

A NEW bus service that provides a direct link between Halesworth and Norwich has been launched.

Anglia Coaches decided to introduce the 588 service after pressure from local residents and councillors.

A survey on public transport held in the Halesworth area last year identified a need for a regular direct link to Norwich.

The town is already served with a direct rail and bus link to Ipswich and Lowestoft and people living in the area highlighted the lack of the Norwich route in the Transport For All survey.

The new service operates an almost hourly service from Monday to Saturday and timetables have been delivered to homes in the Halesworth area.

Anglia Coaches director Andrew Pursey said the company had been impressed by the support for the new route shown by town councillors and local residents.

He said that the new service also meant a regular direct link to Norwich for people living in the Wissett and Rumburgh areas.

When the first bus arrived on time at 7.20am yesterday morning Halesworth Town Councillors officially launched the new service.

Bill Pagan, chairman of the town council, cut a ribbon to welcome the new service and said he hoped it would prove a success for Anglia Coaches and local residents.

"I imagine it will take a few days before people realise that we now have a new service but I am sure it will be well used," he said.

Mr Pagan said he would be using the bus later this week as it provided a "welcome alternative" to having to find a space in Norwich city centre car parks.

Fellow town councillor and Green Party member Paul Whitlow was also on hand to welcome the first bus when it arrived in Saxons Way.

"Everyone involved in the Transport for All survey deserve the highest praise for providing the impetus that has led to this new service.

"It is now up to us all living in the Halesworth area to use the route on a regular basis and make it a success as local residents now have a direct link to Ipswich and Norwich," he said.

The new service will have to prove a commercial success as the route is not subsidised by Suffolk County Council. A return ticket from Halesworth to Norwich costs an adult £4.50 and the journey takes 55 minutes each way.

Anyone wanting more information about the service can contact Anglia Coaches on 01502 711109.