A well-used city bus route that was diverted during the pandemic has been partially reinstated, to the relief of a cut-off community. 

In a move that was described as "sneaky and selfish", the 21 service - which runs between Old Catton and the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital - was permanently rerouted to avoid Fiddlewood Road two years ago.

Provider First Bus said this was due to declining passenger numbers and staff shortages, but also in part a response to the pandemic.

Norwich Evening News: First Bus said the decision had be taken to cut the service due to declining passenger numbers and staff shortagesFirst Bus said the decision had be taken to cut the service due to declining passenger numbers and staff shortages

Calls were subsequently made to reinstate the route to its former glory - particularly by vulnerable people living in Meadowsweet sheltered housing in Catton who said the amendment had left them feeling isolated.

And First Eastern Counties has now confirmed the 21A will return to the Fiddlewood Estate from July 23 during off-peak times, every hour on Mondays to Saturdays.

"I am delighted with this news," said Steve Morphew, Catton Grove's county councillor - who has been campaigning against the rerouting since its inception in 2021.

"The service is a lifeline for many older and vulnerable people who want to go to the supermarket or into the city.

Norwich Evening News: Steve Morphew (middle) with Bronnie Dale and her dad, Alan, who live in the nearby Bussey Rd Steve Morphew (middle) with Bronnie Dale and her dad, Alan, who live in the nearby Bussey Rd (Image: Archant 2021)

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"Congratulations to everyone who successfully campaigned for its reinstatement."

Labour's parliamentary candidate for Norwich North, Alice Macdonald, also welcomed the changes.

"This is excellent news," she said.

"Well done to everyone who campaigned to secure this change and to the bus company for listening to residents.

"Communities should have a much bigger say in bus routes."

Norwich Evening News: Labour's parliamentary candidate for Norwich North, Alice MacdonaldLabour's parliamentary candidate for Norwich North, Alice Macdonald (Image: Alice Macdonald)

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A spokesman for First Eastern Counties said the change had been made following a number of requests from locals and Cllr Morphew's office.

They said: "The service will run between the hours of 9.30am and 3.30pm and people are encouraged to use it to keep it sustainable.

"We will keep the route extension under review and if it increases, we will consider adding more journeys in due course."