How about a circular/figure of 8 type service?
28 - Newcastle, Old Durham Road, Wrekenton, Harlow Green, Allerdene, Sainsburys, Kibblesworth, Birtley, Ouston and current route to Chester
28a - Newcastle, Bensham, Saltwell Road, Allerdene, Harlow Green, Wrekenton, Birtley, Ouston and current route to Chester.
Keep them at hourly intervals, it maintains the link to the QE, keeps Allerdene and Harlow Green connected, improves local connections to Team Valley, the QE & Wrekenton and offers an alternative away from Durham Road for those living in the those two estates.
RE: Service Suggestions