Gunton Bus Route Restored Following Local Campaign

Gunton residents will soon benefit from the return of a local bus service, as part of changes to the 106 route set to launch in early September — a direct result of coordinated campaigning by local residents, councillors and the MP

The updated 106 route will now cover the entire Gunton area, reinstating vital public transport links that were lost in 2019. The move follows sustained pressure on bus operators and transport authorities, with Jess Asato raising the issue directly with First Bus and making the case for change.

“I know how unhappy Gunton residents were at the cancellation of the 106 bus service, both from my conversations on the doorstep and through a bus survey I held in the run up to the election.”

“It’s a real step forward for Gunton, but it’s also a sign of what’s possible when the community works together and makes its voice heard. I know that we still have more to do including campaigning for buses to run later and at more convenient times and to our villages”

The route restoration was also strongly backed by East Suffolk councillors George King and Graham Parker, who pressed the case in local transport meetings and worked with residents to shape the proposal.

“We’re absolutely delighted to see this delivered,” said Cllr George King, who represents Gunton & St Margarets ward. “This is something we pledged to campaign for in 2023, and it’s thanks to persistent community effort that we’ve now got the result we needed. Special thanks go to the Gunton Residents’ Association, who helped keep this issue on the agenda and made sure local voices were always heard.”

“I also want to thank Jess Asato for her leadership in driving this forward with First Bus. This is a fantastic outcome for Gunton — and shows what’s possible when local representatives and residents work together.”

The announcement comes as part of a wider set of changes funded through the Department for Transport’s 2025/26 Local Authority Bus Grant, which provided £2.8 million to enhance services across Suffolk. Suffolk County Council has worked with bus operators and elected representatives to shape the new network based on community feedback.