There was rumors that the 17/18 were going to be withdrawn last year.

http://www.newtonnews.co.uk/jsb-end-bus-route/

I also heard a rumour a while back from someone who lived in School Aycliffe saying that the 116 was going to be merged with the 17/18 and only run as far as School Aycliffe and no longer serve Heighington.