Community leaders have slammed "NHS rationing" as they joined calls to save the closure-threatened SOS Bus.

The service, which has been a vital night-time facility in Norwich's clubland area for more than two decades, is facing an uncertain future as local NHS chiefs consider ending its funding at the end of its current contract next March.

Norwich Evening News: The SOS Bus is facing a cut to its funding next MarchThe SOS Bus is facing a cut to its funding next March (Image: Newsquest)

"There is no doubt the bus is being threatened with cuts because the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board feels it needs to save money," said Norwich South MP Clive Lewis.

"This is a rationing of healthcare - something which should not be needed in an advanced country in 2023.

"There should not be any reason why we can't have the bus and the other services the ICB is having to cut back on."

READ MORE: Norwich folk slam threat to Prince of Wales Road SOS Bus

Norwich Evening News: Norwich South MP described the situation as a rationing of healthcareNorwich South MP described the situation as a rationing of healthcare (Image: Archant © 2017)

NHS chiefs are believed to be weighing up whether the service is surplus to requirements - with the new wellness hub that opened in Castle Quarter this year potentially expanding.

The public is now being asked to have their say on the service ahead of a decision being made about its future.

"The innovative SOS Bus has been well-loved in Norwich for 20 years," said Norwich North MP Chloe Smith.

Norwich Evening News: Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich NorthChloe Smith, MP for Norwich North (Image: PA)

"And I pay tribute to the volunteers behind it. 

"I urge people to have their say before the deadline this weekend."

Last month, the Evening News launched its SOS for SOS campaign as part of an effort to save the bus and urge readers to fill out the survey.

"The SOS Bus is a valued service in Norwich," said Labour candidate for Norwich North, Alice Macdonald.

Norwich Evening News: Labour candidate for Norwich North called for the service to be savedLabour candidate for Norwich North called for the service to be saved (Image: Noah Vickers/Local Democracy Reporting Service)

"It’s helped thousands of people and takes pressure off the NHS. 

"We need to keep the SOS Bus. I encourage people across Norwich to take the survey and make their voice heard."

To take part in the survey, which is set to close on Sunday, June 11, visit: smartsurvey.co.uk/s/SOS_CQ.

Norwich Evening News: The SOS for SOS was launched last month by the Evening NewsThe SOS for SOS was launched last month by the Evening News (Image: Newsquest)