I can see this lack of connection being gregs " bee in bonnet " thing!!, although i really doubt we'll see a situation of gradual withdrawl between lanchester and stanley.
I do agree that by dropping the service to hobson and greencroft ind est is a strange decision and hopefully with enough complaints the link could be reversed i.e the V8 could serve the hobson instead of burnhope.
On the point of a lack of service between consett and stanley, the 78A operates at 2040, 2140 & 2240.
RE: Go North East: Upcoming Service Changes