The SOS Bus, which has been a crucial night-time facility in Norwich's clubland area for more than two decades, is under threat due to NHS funding cuts.

Health bosses are looking into whether the bus is surplus to requirements (Image: Newsquest)

Health bosses argue that a wellness hub that opened in Castle Quarter this year could expand its services and are looking into whether the bus is now surplus to requirements.

Sprowston local Danielle Clarke, 29, was "helped tremendously" by the SOS Bus in 2018 after cutting her hand on a faulty handrail one night.

"I wasn't a clubber or a drinker," she said.

Danielle Clarke described the SOS Bus as a God-send (Image: Danielle Clarke)

"I was just a regular customer meeting my friends.

"My hand was losing blood and needed stitches.

"Thank heavens the SOS Bus and their staff were nearby to help me.

"I was frightened but they took care of me, reassured me and made sure I got to hospital safely.

"It is an absolute God-send to many people - not just clubbers.

The SOS for SOS campaign was launched by the Evening News last week (Image: Newsquest)

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"The work it does is priceless and to take it away would be shocking and unnecessary."

The Evening News announced its SOS for SOS campaign to save the bus earlier this month, urging people to fill out a survey on its future. 

Colin Lang, who founded the service in 2001, said it is "naive" and "disappointing" to hear the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board is considering pulling its funding.

SOS Bus founder Colin Lang (Image: Newsquest)

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A local mum, who asked not to be named, is also hoping the SOS Bus is saved.

She said: "They helped my son who was hit by a flying glass bottle on his 18th birthday.

"He was literally just in the way at the wrong time and it cut his head and arm.

"As a mother it is lovely to know that help is available and, on this occasion, it saved a trip to A&E - who especially at the moment don't need any extra work!"

• The survey about the service is available at smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SOS_CQ until Sunday, June 11.